Dementia care for South Asian families

Dementia care for South Asian families living in London can provide additional care and support as the condition progresses. 

Dementia rates are rising in the UK and there is a higher risk for some demographics, including those of South Asian heritage. For some groups, there is also a lower rate of access to formal care pathways. There are a variety of reasons for this. Common barriers include the stigma attached to mental health, language barriers in accessing healthcare, a lack of culturally appropriate services and the strong cultural expectation for the family to handle care. 

Jothno Care and Support provides home based, culturally sensitive care for South Asian families. It is designed around language, diet, faith and traditional routine.

Understanding dementia in South Asian communities in London

South Asian communities represent 9.3% of the UK population and have a 1.57x higher risk factor of dementia (Alzheimer’s Research UK) but there is low uptake of care planning and post diagnostic support services (PubMed). They are often diagnosed later, which has an impact on care as it is only sought during a crisis and makes for a higher carer burden. 

Dementia can be understood through the lens of religion or spirituality. Memory loss can be misunderstood as part of ‘normal aging’ (Cambridge). Language barriers, the accessibility of services and family expectations can delay seeking professional help. 

The key barriers to accessing dementia care for South Asian families:

Lack of knowledge about dementia and services – families do not recognise the symptoms or know what support exists locally for dementia

Stigma and shame – the fear of bringing shame onto the family or being judged by others can keep families from seeking help

Language and communication barriers – limited English fluency can affect the understanding of the diagnosis and access to care planning and consent

Culturally inappropriate services – mainstream care services may not meet dietary, religious, gender or language needs

Strong familial duty of care – cultural and religious emphasis on caring at home can lead to carer burnout

What South Asian families need from dementia care

South Asian families that are looking for dementia care in London are looking for specific care practices that align with their family values and cultural practices. 

Care that respects faith and culture – care plans need to include prayer times and routines, religious practices, modesty requirements, and same sex carers when required 

Language matched or language aware support – providing carers that speak Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, Sylheti, etc or use simple clear communication practices 

Dietary and routine sensitivity – the provision of halal or vegetarian meals, familiar foods, and consistent daily routines reduce confusion

Family centred and home based support – staying at home in familiar surroundings and supplementing family care, rather than replacing it, feels safe and culturally appropriate

Clear, jargon free information – explanations about dementia and care options in plain language, and preferably in the same language that the family speak themselves

Supporting families with dementia care

At Jothno Care and Support, we tailor care plans to each client and cover family inclusion, culturally appropriate care, language and diet preferences. As a South Asian family business, with a diverse range of carers available, we can match our carers to the family they will care for.

We provide consistent, familiar carers who will build trust with the family and reduce anxiety for the person with dementia. We offer practical, personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and companionship during daily routines. We also include the family in planning and providing signposting to local services. 

We accompany the person with dementia when they go out to routine activities like attending mosque, temple or gurdwara, and social activities at community centres. We can also arrange for transport to attend events and religious festivals. 

Our flexible, home based approach to care can delay care home admissions and help to avoid hospital admissions. We can provide as much or as little care as the family needs to support them and provide respite for caregivers. Our carers are all trained to be dementia friendly.

Practical tips for South Asian families caring for someone with dementia

Recognise the symptoms – the earlier the diagnosis, the early an assessment can be made and care can be put in place before there is a crisis

Start conversations – talk about memory concerns without triggering fear or shame, involve the family and trusted community or religious leaders, if this will be helpful 

Create a supportive routine – consistent meal times, prayer times, medication schedules, and sleep routines provide a sense of security

Use respite wisely – ensure that the family caregivers do not burn out or feel they cannot rest without compromising their values

Plan ahead – introduce professional care that allows for cultural values and traditions and involve the family in planning for the future

Normalise dementia – dementia is a medical condition, like any other illness, it is not a moral failing or “madness” 

When to get extra help

If the person with dementia is becoming increasingly unsafe or has falls, wanders, and makes mistakes when taking medication or the family caregiver is facing exhaustion, it is time to consider bringing in professional carers. 

A culturally sensitive home care assessment will consider the person’s immediate needs and future flexibility, the family’s involvement, faith, language and culture. We offer a free care assessment to families, call our team on 020 4548 9300. 

FAQs about dementia care for South Asian families

Is dementia more common in South Asian families?

There is an increased risk of dementia in South Asian families. Research estimates this at 1.57x higher, but South Asians are also underrepresented in research projects and less likely to seek diagnosis and treatment, so this could be higher. 

Why do many South Asian families avoid dementia services?

There is misunderstanding of dementia as a medical condition and greater occurrence of stigma surrounding mental health in South Asian families. There may also be a language barrier in seeking medical assistance and local services. Families feel they should provide care as part of their duty. They may be unaware that culturally appropriate home care services are available. 

Can I get a carer who speaks my language?

Jothno Care and Support matches carers to the family they care for. We have a diverse range of carers available who speak English, Sylheti, Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, Pashto, and Cantonese/Mandarin. 

Will home care disrespect our religious and cultural practices?

Culturally sensitive care plans will take into consideration the religious and cultural practices in your family. They will provide care with respect and dignity. 

How can home care help if we want to keep caring at home?

Home care can support family care in the family home. It does not replace family care, it supplements family care. We can arrange respite care, night care and specialist dementia care support. 

Dementia care for South Asian families

Dementia care for South Asian families living in London needs to be culturally sensitive and support the whole family of the person who has dementia. Care needs to recognise family concerns like stigma, the requirements of family duty and traditional family values. Care plans need to include diet, religious activities, privacy and gender preferences. 

At Jothno Care and Support we speak the same language as you, and we will arrange for carers who can communicate in your own language and explain our care services clearly, including the family in the decision making and supporting, rather than replacing family care.