How to Help a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Watching your loved one grapple with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be incredibly heartbreaking. You might feel lost and unsure of how to navigate this new reality. You’ve probably asked yourself a million times, “How can I best care for them?”, “What kind of support do they need?”, or “How do I cope with these changes myself?”.

Many families face similar challenges. Fortunately, a wealth of resources are available to help you provide quality care and emotional support. While there’s no cure for dementia, your loved one can live a fulfilling life by navigating this challenging journey as a family.

How to Deal with Alzheimer’s or Dementia as a Family Member

By 2050, the rate of Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s is projected to reach 12.7 million, which will further expand the gap between care demand and supply. One way to address this issue is if family members educate themselves and step in as caregivers.

Dementia causes confusion, disorientation, and even personality changes. These symptoms worsen as the disease progresses. At one point, you may feel your loved one has become a completely different person because of these significant behavioral swings.

Getting involved by self-education can expand your understanding of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource, offering information on dementia’s progression, treatment options, and connections from support groups. When you know what to expect, you can provide help from a place of calm and adjust your caregiving approach with certainty.

Tips for Everyday Care for Loved One With Alzheimer's or Dementia

By creating a safe and supportive environment at home, you can help significantly minimize anxiety and improve your parent’s quality of life. The question is, how do you do it? Here are some ways to help a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Establish a Routine

People with dementia usually thrive on predictability. So, set consistent times for waking up, going to bed, meals, medication, and even leisure activities. This structure provides a sense of security and reduces confusion.

Simplify the Environment

Declutter living spaces to minimize visual overwhelm. Remove unnecessary furniture or objects that could cause obstacles. Ensure clear pathways throughout the house. Label cabinets and drawers with large, clear pictures or words. For example, instead of a label that says “pots and pans,” use a picture of a pot and a pan.

Focus on Safety

One of the best ways to help a loved one living with Alzheimer's or dementia is to prioritize safety at home. Falls are a major concern for people with dementia. More than 30% of adults over 65 years old fall each year. To ensure your loved one’s safety, install grab bars next to the toilet and in the bathtub or shower. Remove throw rugs that could cause slipping. Get them footwear with good traction and consider adding nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to improve visibility at night.

Communication is Key

When communicating, speak slowly and clearly and use short sentences and simple vocabulary. Focus on one topic at a time and aim for quality conversations. Validate their feelings and avoid arguing about reality. For instance, if they insist they need to go to work, acknowledge their feelings by saying, “I understand you want to be productive,” and then gently redirect them to a safe activity. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language and facial expressions. A furrowed brow might indicate confusion, while crossed arms could signal frustration.

Engage Their Senses

Stimulate the senses to create a calming and familiar environment. Play soothing music from their favorite era. Display family photos and artwork around the house. Use pleasant scents like lavender or vanilla to create a sense of comfort. Encourage activities that engage their senses, like gardening, listening to music, or simple outdoor walks in nature.

Adapt these tips to your loved one’s specific needs and preferences. By doing so, you can help them feel secure and engaged, improving their overall well-being.

Tips to Improve Daily Life for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Social interactions and engaging activities are vital for sustaining mental well-being and a sense of purpose. Here are some ways to keep your loved one’s social life enriched.

Involve Them in Daily Activities

Include your loved one in day-to-day tasks — this can be anything from folding laundry and setting the table to sorting vegetables or watering plants. Even if they can’t complete the task independently, allowing them to participate can give them a sense of accomplishment and keep them connected to daily routines.

Encourage Socialization

Social interaction is vital for mental stimulation and preventing isolation. Look for senior centers, memory cafes, or adult daycare programs that offer activities tailored for people with dementia. These programs often include music therapy, art classes, group games, or even gentle exercise sessions.

Reminisce Through Activities

Memory loss can be a source of frustration. Reminiscing activities can be a powerful tool to evoke positive memories. Look through old photo albums together, convince them to tell stories about their past, or listen to their favorite music from their youth. You can even try baking cookies from a cherished family recipe or visiting familiar places from their past.

Engage in Enjoyable Hobbies

Another way to help a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia is to do the activities they love. If they used to enjoy gardening, find ways to include the activity in their routine. Provide them with blunt tools to play with the soil. Meanwhile, consider audiobooks or books with large print and simple storylines if they love to read. The familiar act of holding a book and turning pages can be comforting.

Embrace New Activities

Don’t be afraid to explore new activities that might interest them. Music therapy can be incredibly calming and engaging. Simple art projects like finger painting or coloring can provide a creative outlet. Even gentle walks in nature or attending community events, such as local gatherings or exhibitions can offer a change of scenery and stimulate the senses.

The key is to tailor activities to your loved one’s current abilities and interests. Be patient, celebrate their successes, and focus on the joy of shared experiences.

Aim to Be an Effective Caregiver

Alzheimer’s and dementia can be a challenging journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Your main role is to create a safe and supportive environment at home that can help make a difference in the way they live. You can hire a professional caregiver for support or sign them up for meaningful activities in senior centers.

If you need guidance, Senex Memory Advisors have certified dementia care experts who can offer advice on navigating the whole journey, including considerations when choosing their next home if they must relocate and options for financing to sustain long-term care needs. You have several ways to help a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia lead a fulfilling life. You’ll encounter setbacks, but with knowledge, empathy, and a strong support system, you can navigate this experience with grace and love.

Syed Rizvi

Syed has years of experience dealing with people, understanding their needs, and helping them find solutions to their problems.
As a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP), Syed is committed to working closely with Senior and their family knowing what is it like for individuals facing a challenging time, at times groping in dark trying to figure what is the appropriate next step or care level for their unique situation.
Syed and Senex Memory Advisors are fully committed to working closely with families in creating a personalized, step-by-step process memory care plan at zero cost.