In the United States, millions of people provide care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Sharing caregiving responsibilities with others not only ensures the needs of the care recipient are met but also helps caregivers avoid unnecessary stress. Here are some helpful tips for caring for someone with dementia.

Dementia is not a single disease, but a broad term used to describe a group of symptoms caused by brain damage. These symptoms commonly include memory loss, impaired judgment, and behavioral changes. As dementia progresses, it begins to interfere with the individual’s ability to manage daily life.

Over time, the loss of brain cells increases the person’s dependence on others. Dementia patients may need assistance with remembering medical appointments, managing finances, or navigating familiar places. As the condition advances, they may also require help with basic tasks like dressing or eating.

Caregivers play a critical role in supporting dementia patients. Some provide hands-on care at home, while others coordinate assistance from a distance. However, the demands of dementia care can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. Following these eight practical tips can help caregivers manage the challenges while reducing stress.

1. Understand Dementia

Acquire knowledge of the senior’s specific type of dementia to recognize and learn how to manage symptoms. Dementia falls into five common types, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia caused by strokes, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia.

2. Stick to a Routine

Seniors with dementia thrive in routine. They are already confused about time and place due to their progressive disease, so adhering to a schedule helps them know what to expect. Caregivers should serve meals and prepare baths at the same time each day, for instance.

A predictable routine fosters an invaluable sense of independence and control in seniors. Caregivers might plan enjoyable activities for the older adult to do during afternoons or mornings. A consistent and structured schedule also reduces the aging person’s anxiety and agitation.

3. Encourage Independence

Despite a dementia diagnosis, seniors are still able to perform certain tasks independently. Caregivers have the duty to identify the aging loved one’s capabilities. For example, when assisting with dressing, allow your loved one to do as much as they can on their own. Choosing clothing with features like elastic waistbands and zipper pulls can make the process easier and help maintain their sense of autonomy.

4. Communicate Clearly

Dementia affects a senior’s ability to communicate. Make interactions less stressful by speaking calmly and giving them space to express their feelings. If the dementia patient resorts to anger or feels fearful, express understanding. Encourage two-way conversations for as long as possible.

5. Include Them in Activities

It is beneficial for dementia patients to be active. Help the seniors stay engaged in life by encouraging them to garden, perform household chores, or exercise. Seniors feel valued when asked to assist with light chores. If the older adult enjoys baking, provide them with a measuring cup so they can measure ingredients.

Join the seniors on walks outside. A leisurely stroll provides light exercise, reduces stress, and promotes a good night’s sleep. Or plant a flower bed or vegetable garden together if the aging dementia patient likes to garden. Match the activities with their ability level.

6. Give Them Choices

Offer the senior choices. Answering is easier for the senior when a question is followed by two choices rather than being open-ended. For instance, ask if they prefer salmon or chicken for dinner. Or lay out two outfits and ask the older adult which one they’d like to wear.

7. Improve Home Safety

A home with minimal hazards is safer for a dementia patient to navigate and gives them more freedom to move around. Each staircase should feature at least one handrail. Line the stairs with safety grips and mark the edges of each stair with brightly colored tape to enhance visibility.

Remove curtains and rugs with busy patterns, as they are likely to confuse a senior with dementia. Place locks on cabinets that contain hazardous household goods, such as paint thinner and matches. Clear electrical cords from walkways to prevent the older adult from tripping over them.

8. Practice Self-Care

A dementia patient’s continual care needs can overwhelm a caregiver. As a result, sadness, loneliness, and even physical pain can ensue. Some caregivers resort to alcohol or drugs for relief. Instead, it’s vital that caregivers practice self-care to avoid burnout and continue providing quality care to the senior.

Spend time with friends and family to maintain relationships and continue enjoying a social life. Eat right, exercise regularly, and avoid skipping medical checkups. Caregivers might occasionally treat themselves to a well-deserved massage, pedicure, or facial, all of which help them relax.

Join a caregiver support group to hear about the experiences of other caregivers, learn tips and find encouragement. It’s also crucial that caregivers seek professional in-home help, such as from a reputable home care agency. A dementia caregiver provides a wealth of support to ease a family caregiver’s load.

Dementia Care from Assisting Hands

Assisting Hands Home Care offers compassionate dementia care that countless families trust. Our caregivers engage seniors in meaningful activities like playing their favorite music, reminiscing with cherished photo albums, taking them on enjoyable outings, and even assisting with letter writing to keep their minds active and spirits uplifted.

Our caregivers are specially trained in managing dementia symptoms and use proven techniques to handle agitation, such as gentle distractions to soothe and calm. We provide dignified support with incontinence and toileting while closely supervising seniors to prevent wandering and ensure their safety.

Our care extends beyond supervision. We prepare nutritious meals and create a warm, social dining atmosphere to encourage healthy eating habits and maintain proper weight. We also offer medication reminders, transportation to medical appointments, and light housekeeping to support a clean and organized home environment.

With Assisting Hands Home Care, your loved one receives attentive, personalized care—and is never left alone, ensuring their comfort, safety, and well-being at all times.

The licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are privileged to serve the elderly in Boynton Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Florida, and the surrounding communities. Call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule a free in-home consultation today to learn how quality senior care supports the elderly and their family caregivers.