You make the difference.
Are you caring for someone with dementia? At Seating Matters, we understand the physical and emotional demands placed on carers for dementia – whether at home, in residential care, or hospital settings. We provide the only internationally accredited dementia chairs, clinically proven to reduce falls, agitation and pressure injuries. Whether you’re a professional in dementia aged care or a family member seeking better dementia support at home, Seating Matters are here to help.
Being a dementia carer often means living in a constant state of worry—concerned about your loved one’s safety, comfort, and wellbeing. It’s easy to feel helpless, especially as symptoms progress. But when it comes to dementia care, the right support—and the right seating—can make a world of difference.
A recent international study showed Seating Matters chairs have a calming effect on patients with dementia, with significant reductions in agitation, falls and pressure injuries.
70%
noted a reduction in agitation
86%
reported an increase in time spent out of bed
73%
noted increased engagement in social activities
Seating Matters chairs are funded by the NDIS, and are distributed to aged care facilities, hospitals and home care environments. As a dementia carer, all you need to do is make the request for a Seating Matters chair. We’ll manage the rest.
This can be confusing, but here’s an easy way to think about it:
Dementia is an umbrella term. It is used to describe a range of symptoms that affect a person’s memory, thinking, and ability to carry out everyday tasks. It’s not a specific disease—it’s more like a group of symptoms that come from different conditions
Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific type of dementia. It’s the most common cause of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that causes brain cells to die over time, leading to memory loss, confusion, and changes in behaviour and personality.
In other words:
Dementia is like saying someone has a ‘fever’ – it tells you something’s wrong, but not what’s causing it.
Alzheimer’s is one possible cause of that ‘fever’ – a specific diagnosis.
If you’re caring for a loved one and starting to notice changes in their behaviour or memory, it can be hard to know what’s normal ageing—and what might be something more. Dementia affects everyone differently, but there are some common early signs of dementia to look out for.
If you’re noticing a few of these signs regularly, it’s a good idea to speak with a GP or health professional. Getting an early diagnosis can help with planning, support, and access to helpful treatments.
You’re doing an incredible job—being a dementia carer comes with so much responsibility, but early understanding can make all the difference.
The speed at which dementia progresses can vary a lot from person to person—and it often depends on the type of dementia, the person’s overall health, and how early it was diagnosed.
Here’s a general idea of how it might progress:
What carers of dementia patients often notice over time:
The most important thing to know is that progression isn’t the same for everyone. Some people live many meaningful years after diagnosis with the right support.
If you’re worried about how fast your loved one is changing, it’s a good idea to talk to their doctor. They may be able to help adjust care plans or offer advice to make things easier day-to-day.
Dementia is not usually hereditary, meaning that having a parent or grandparent with dementia doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop it too.
In most cases, especially with late-onset Alzheimer’s (the most common form), there’s no direct genetic link.
However, some rare forms—like early-onset Alzheimer’s or certain types of frontotemporal dementia—can run in families and may be passed down through specific genes.
If several relatives have had dementia, especially at a younger age, it’s worth discussing with a GP who may recommend genetic counselling.
Helping someone with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging, and every person’s needs will be different depending on the stage and type of dementia they’re experiencing. Here are just a few ideas:
Be patient and calm: Speak slowly, use simple language, and give them time to respond without rushing or correcting too often.
Keep routines consistent: Familiar routines help reduce confusion and provide a sense of security.
Use visual cues and reminders: Labels, calendars, and written notes can help with memory and independence.
Break tasks into small steps: Offer gentle guidance and support without taking over completely.
Encourage enjoyable, familiar activities: Music, gardening, art, or walks can spark joy and keep them engaged.
Focus on what they can do: Celebrate small wins and build on their strengths rather than highlighting what’s difficult.
Create a calm, safe environment: Reduce background noise and clutter, and ensure the space is easy to navigate.
Stay connected and reassuring: Even when memory fades, emotional connection and kindness still matter deeply.
Prioritise comfort with the right seating: Proper seating can make a world of difference for someone living with dementia. The right chair supports posture, helps prevent falls and sliding, reduces agitation, and promotes a sense of safety and calm. Speak to your loved one’s healthcare provider, occupational therapist, aged care facility or hospital to request a complimentary Seating Assessment and chair trial with Seating Matters.
As a dementia carer, one of the most powerful ways you can help is by gathering information and advocating for better comfort and care. Specialised dementia chairs—like the Atlanta 2 and Sorrento 2 by Seating Matters—are clinically designed to reduce agitation, prevent falls, and provide reassuring support. They’re also the only chairs in the world to be awarded Dementia Product Accreditation by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling.
The best way to get started is by speaking with the dementia patient’s healthcare team—an occupational therapist, aged care support worker, or medical professional can arrange a complimentary seating assessment and chair trial.
An elderly woman with advanced dementia and paratonia experienced severe pain and poor posture—until the Atlanta 2 chair transformed her care. With improved support, safe transfers, and better positioning, she now sits comfortably for over six hours daily, with reduced pain, increased alertness, and enhanced quality of life.
Up to 40% of people with dementia experience sleep issues that affect their mood, mobility, and overall health. Poor nighttime rest often leads to daytime dozing in unsupportive chairs—causing slouching, agitation, and increased fall risk. Discover how you can help support someone with dementia to sleep better.
Is someone you love living with Alzheimer’s disease? As the condition progresses, various complications can affect their health, comfort, and overall quality of life. The good news is—there are practical ways to help. From proper clinical seating to better postural support, small changes can make a big difference.
Seating Matters are changing the world of healthcare seating. We take pride in being at the forefront of seating research and innovation. We want to share our knowledge with the world to ensure no person has to face unnecessary discomfort or mortality.
Arrange a free, no obligation Seating Assessment with your local Seating Specialist.
Schedule a call at a time that suits you to speak with our experts.
Download or order your free copy of this essential resource.
Be the first to access new content, clinical studies, webinars, events and more from Seating Matters.
This practical guide by world-renowned OT, Martina Tierney will assist you in the prescription and use of therapeutic seating for patients with various conditions. It’s the best place to start.
Download your free copy now.
