With an estimated two thirds of those with dementia living in the community, those working supporting older people's housing are increasingly confronting issues they would have found rare just a decade ago. The personal benefits of enabling people with dementia to remain at home, rather than have to move for specialist care, are clear. And with the cost of dementia to the UK economy at more than £20bn a year, there are also strong financial arguments for helping people to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Greater awareness of the symptoms and issues is vital for those working in older people's housing – both because it allows them to help directly more themselves and to make sure that other agencies take the issues seriously.

Dementia consultant Victoria Metcalfe explains: "In the past we've had scheme managers speak to social services and be told 'It's your job to look after the situation'. If scheme managers are more informed they recognise that this isn't just a general symptom of getting old. Being able to explain the circumstances more clearly makes it easier for our people to get support from the appropriate agencies."

Talking to family members is also crucial, as well as encouraging people to visit a GP if they have concerns: "40% of people living with dementia are never diagnosed as such," Metcalfe says. "But it might not be dementia. It's important to get a GP involved to rule out other causes such as an infection."

There are also very practical measures that can be taken in retirement housing. "Where there aren't 24-hour carers, the environment is crucial. To help those who may become disoriented, you can ensure that different floors are easy to identify such as by putting a pot plant by the lift entrance on one floor and a picture on another floor," she explains. Additional clues, such as an image or ornament in addition to a door number can help people navigate.

"There will always be a group of people who need to live in a care home, but a move is not always necessary and doesn't have to happen immediately. Other people in a scheme are often supportive if they know the person," Metcalfe says.

Talking to family members to ensure the person with dementia has a note on the inside of their door to remind them when they can expect a visit can help alleviate concerns and confusion. But while the solutions are often simple, increasing pressures on state funding can be a barrier.

And while there has been real progress on recognising and dealing with dementia, accessing advice can be a challenge. The move to personal budgets could add significantly to that burden, as a report published by the Alzheimer's Society last month indicated.