Dementia Crisis Support
A crisis can arrive suddenly — a fall, a sharp change in confusion, aggression, or a carer reaching breaking point. Having a plan ready makes frightening moments far easier to handle.
Dementia crisis support is about preparing before a crisis happens and acting with confidence when one does.
Recognising a crisis early
A sudden change is often a warning sign. Be alert to:
- A sudden increase in confusion or drowsiness
- New or worsening aggression or agitation
- Signs of infection — fever, pain passing urine, new incontinence
- A fall, injury or unsteadiness
- Refusing food, drink or essential medication
- The main carer becoming exhausted or unwell
What to do in the moment
When things escalate, work through these steps calmly:
- Keep safe — remove hazards, give space and stay calm
- Assess — check for pain, infection, injury or an obvious trigger
- Get help — call the right service and explain the dementia
When to get urgent help
Contact a GP or NHS 111 for a gradual change over days, a suspected infection, or medication concerns. Call 999 or go to A&E for a serious fall or head injury, chest pain or stroke signs, sudden severe confusion, or any risk of harm.
Planning ahead
Keeping vital medical details, medications and emergency contacts in one place means you can act fast when it matters. The free crisis planning workbook helps you prepare today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I call 999 for someone with dementia?
- Call 999 or go to A&E for a serious fall or head injury, chest pain or stroke signs, sudden severe confusion, or any risk of harm to the person or others. For a gradual change over days, a suspected infection or medication concerns, contact a GP or NHS 111 instead.
- What are the warning signs of a dementia crisis?
- A sudden change is often a warning sign: a rapid increase in confusion or drowsiness, new or worsening aggression or agitation, signs of infection such as fever or new incontinence, a fall or unsteadiness, refusing food, drink or medication, or the main carer becoming exhausted or unwell.
- What should I do in the moment when a crisis happens?
- Work through three calm steps. Keep safe — remove hazards, give space and stay calm. Assess — check for pain, infection, injury or an obvious trigger. Get help — call the right service and explain that the person has dementia.
- How can I plan ahead for a dementia emergency?
- Keep vital medical details, medications and emergency contacts in one place so you can act fast when it matters. The free crisis planning workbook helps you prepare today, before a crisis happens.