October 17, 2026
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Noticing changes in a parent or partner’s memory can be worrying, and it is often hard to know what to do next. Perhaps your mum has started asking the same question several times in one visit, or your husband seems unsure of the way home from the seafront. Small moments like these can leave you wondering whether something more serious is going on.
This guide is for families in Lancing and Sompting who are wondering whether a loved one may have dementia. It explains the early signs to look out for, how to get a diagnosis, and what dementia care in Lancing looks like when the goal is to help someone carry on living safely and happily in their own home. It also covers support for you as a family carer, and the help available with costs, so you can take the next step with confidence.
Everyone forgets things sometimes. Misplacing your glasses or forgetting a name now and then is a normal part of getting older. Dementia is different because the changes are ongoing, they tend to get worse over time, and they start to affect daily life.
Early signs of dementia can include forgetting recent conversations or events and repeating the same questions, or getting lost on familiar routes, such as the walk to the shops on South Street or a regular bus journey. Your loved one may also find it harder to manage tasks they used to do easily, like paying bills, following a recipe or cooking a meal.
Some people struggle to find the right words or lose track of a conversation. You might notice changes in mood, confidence or personality, such as becoming anxious, withdrawn or irritable, or a loss of interest in hobbies, clubs or seeing friends.
You may notice these signs gradually, or a family member who visits less often may spot them first. It can help to keep a simple diary of what you notice and when.
These signs do not always mean dementia. Infections (particularly urinary tract infections in older people), vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, depression and medication side effects can all cause similar symptoms. Many of these are treatable, which is why seeing a GP is so important rather than assuming the worst.
The first step is to book an appointment with your loved one’s GP. If they are reluctant, it can help to frame it as a general health check rather than a memory test. Going along with them is often reassuring, and it means you can share what you have noticed.
Before the appointment, write down the changes you have seen, when they started and how they affect everyday life. Specific examples, such as missed medication or unpaid bills, give the GP a clearer picture than general worries.
At the appointment, the GP may ask questions about memory, mood and daily routines, and carry out some short memory and thinking tests. They will often arrange blood tests to rule out other causes, such as infections or vitamin deficiencies, and review any current medications.
If needed, the GP can then refer your loved one to a local memory assessment service for further checks and, where appropriate, a scan.
A diagnosis can feel daunting, for the person and for the whole family. But it gives access to treatment, specialist advice and dementia support in Lancing and across West Sussex. It also gives you time to plan for the future together, including setting up Lasting Power of Attorney while your loved one can still take part in those decisions.
Many people live well at home for years after a dementia diagnosis. Familiar surroundings, routines and faces can make a real difference to wellbeing, confidence and quality of life. Moving into a care home is not the only option, and for many families it is not the right one.
Good dementia care at home starts small and grows as needs change. For some families, that means a few visits a week to help with shopping, preparing meals, medication reminders and simply some company, through our visiting care service. Others need daily support with personal care, washing, dressing and keeping to a steady routine.
If nights become unsettled or there is a risk of falls, our overnight care service can provide reassurance through the night. When someone needs help around the clock, our live-in care service means a carer lives in the home, so support is always on hand.
The best home care in Lancing is built around the person, not the condition. That means carers who take time to learn your loved one’s life story, their likes and dislikes, and the small things that help them feel calm and settled. Consistency matters too: seeing the same familiar carers helps reduce confusion and builds trust.
Find out more about how we support people with dementia on our dementia care at home page.
Caring for someone with dementia is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Family carers often put their own health last, juggling work, children and caring responsibilities until they reach breaking point. Taking regular breaks is not selfish. It is what helps you keep caring for longer.
Our respite care service can cover a few hours while you attend an appointment, a weekend away, or a full holiday. Your loved one stays at home with a trained carer, so their routine is not disrupted.
There is also wider help available locally. A carer’s assessment from West Sussex County Council looks at your own needs as a carer and may open up practical or financial support.
Alzheimer’s Society runs a free support line offering information and advice, and Dementia UK runs a free helpline staffed by specialist Admiral Nurses, who can offer guidance and a listening ear. Local carers’ groups and memory cafés in the Adur and Worthing area also give you a chance to meet others in a similar situation.
Talking to people who understand can make a huge difference, especially on the harder days.
Worries about money can stop families from getting support early. It is worth checking what your loved one may be entitled to.
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. Savings and income do not affect it, and it can go towards the cost of care at home. Many people with a dementia diagnosis qualify but never claim.
Depending on circumstances, council funding from West Sussex County Council may be available following a needs assessment and financial assessment. Where health needs are complex, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of care after an assessment.
If you are unsure where to start, Age UK and Citizens Advice can help you check benefits and complete the forms.
PentaCare is a CQC-regulated home care provider supporting families across Lancing, Sompting and the wider Adur area. Our carers are trained in dementia care and focus on helping each person keep their independence, routines and sense of self for as long as possible.
Every package of dementia care in Lancing starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. We visit your loved one at home, get to know them and their family, and agree a personalised care plan with you. Care is reviewed regularly, so support can increase or adapt as needs change. In many cases, care can start within 24 hours.
Whether you need a few hours of company each week, help through the night or full live-in care, we are here to talk it through.
Visit our home care in Lancing page or call 01732 905405 to speak to our friendly team about dementia support in Lancing and Sompting.
Pentacare serves many locations, including Shoreham-by-sea, Brighton, Steyning, Storrington, Worthing, Hove, Bramber, Lancing, Littlehampton, Southwick, Goring-by-sea, Rustington, Sompting
Book a Free Care Assessment
If you’re exploring live-in care in West Sussex, Pentacare offers a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your needs and provide expert guidance.
Call: 01273 286707
Email :westsussex@pentacare.co.uk
Website: https://www.pentacare.co.uk/locations/sussex/west-sussex/
