When everyday tasks become difficult in later life (with or without dementia)
You may have noticed that some things take more effort than they once did.
Perhaps you pause before starting a task.
Perhaps you plan it more carefully.
Perhaps you’d just like a bit more time than others allow.
That doesn’t mean you’ve lost ability.
Often, it simply means things need to be done differently now.
And that’s okay.
Support for older adults and families when everyday activities become difficult - at home and in the community.
The things you do are part of who you are
Your day has never just been about passing time.
It’s about choice.
Familiarity.
Contribution.
Doing things in a way that feels right to you.
Making a drink the way you like it.
Putting things where they belong.
Helping someone else.
Following your routine.
Taking care with your appearance.
Keeping your home as your home.
These are not small tasks - they help you stay independent and confident in daily life.
When they become harder, life can feel smaller.
But smaller is not the only option.
There is more than one way to do something
Many people are told - kindly - to rest, sit down, or let others do it.
Sometimes that helps.
But often what you actually need is:
a bit more time
a clearer setup
the right prompt
less pressure
a different approach
The aim isn’t to push you beyond your limits.
It’s to support you to use your strengths.
Because ability rarely disappears all at once - it changes shape.
This is just as true for normal ageing as it is for people living with dementia.
An occupational approach to staying independent
My role is not to test you or take over.
It is to work alongside you to find ways you can keep doing the things that matter - maintaining independence at home wherever possible.
Together we look at:
what you want to keep doing
what feels frustrating
what has quietly slipped away
what could work again with the right adjustments
Sometimes a small change makes something possible again:
a different layout
a different order
a different cue
a different expectation
The goal is always the same - staying involved in your own life.
Because wellbeing grows from purpose, not just being kept busy.
You might recognise this if:
You (or someone you support) have stopped doing everyday tasks
Confidence has reduced at home
A diagnosis of dementia has changed routines
Things take longer and feel overwhelming
You want to stay independent but need the right support
A parent or partner is withdrawing from usual activities
You are allowed to keep your roles
Whether you are living with memory changes, another health condition, or simply noticing everyday tasks feel different, support should help you do more of what matters - not less.
You don’t have to hand your life over earlier than necessary.
If you, or someone you are supporting, are finding it harder to get back to the things you love, need or want to do, I offer practical, respectful support to help keep independence, confidence and sense of self.
I provide personalised later-life and dementia support at home and remotely across the UK.
Because purpose lives in everyday moments — and small changes can open the door back into them.
Get in touch to find out how we can work together.