Tips & Solutions
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Thousands of caregivers on Care.com have experience with dementia patients.
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Thousands of caregivers on Care.com have experience with dementia patients.Save 20%
Tip 1:
Assemble your care teamAssemble your care team
Dementia care is a role that can last for many years. It can be isolating, confusing, and is a 24/7 effort. Do not try to do this alone — reach out to people for help.
- Enlist friends and relatives. Ask them to take care shifts, bring meals, help with housework, or whatever else is needed.
- Join a caregiver support group. This is your safe place to connect, vent, and get advice.
- Hire in-home helpers. Whether you hire respite care to provide temporary relief or regular help with laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc., in-home helpers help lighten the daily load.
- Get extra help: Find an experienced dementia caregiver on Care.com.
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Tip 2:
Make their home saferMake their home safer
Dementia causes many changes in the brain and body, and can affect the safety of the person you’re caring for. Limit their risk by making home safety modifications.
- Keep pathways clear. People with dementia may have trouble with balance, so it's important to keep furniture, clothing, and household objects out of main pathways.
- Hide their car keys. If your loved one isn’t allowed to drive, it’s a good idea to hang on to their car keys for safekeeping.
- Install shower safety equipment. Grab bars and shower chairs are great for unsteady dementia patients who still want to manage their personal hygiene on their own.
- Get extra help: Need help installing safety equipment or clearing out clutter? Use Thumbtack to hire a local handyperson, contractor, house cleaner, or furniture mover.
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Tweak their getting-ready routineTweak their getting-ready routine
Even basic daily tasks can become difficult with progressing dementia. Try these ideas to simplify their getting-dressed routine.
- Label dresser drawers and lay out full outfit options.
- Write out simple getting-dressed instructions.
- Consider “anti-stripping” clothing for late-stage dementia.
- Get extra help: Joe & Bella offers modern and stylish adaptive apparel for men and women that make getting dressed easy. Get free shipping on all orders with our link.
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Tip 4:
Make mealtimes calm and comfortableMake mealtimes calm and comfortable
Mealtimes can become challenging when you’re caring for someone with dementia — they may become increasingly picky and turned off by foods they once loved.
- Reduce distractions. Turn off the TV and radio — noises can overwhelm and distract the person from eating.
- Simplify the dinner table. Patterned tablecloths and decorated tablescapes can affect a person’s visual and spatial abilities, making it difficult to eat.
- Think bite-size. Chewing and swallowing can be more difficult, so always cut foods into smaller pieces.
- Get extra help: When you don't have time to meal prep, Balance by BistroMD offers delivered meals tailor-made to your loved one's food preferences and dietary needs.
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Tip 5:
Incorporate wander-prevention toolsIncorporate wander-prevention tools
People with dementia may wander because they’re restless, looking for something, agitated, delirious, or curious about something they saw or heard. Add safety tools and take active measures throughout the house.
- Install a home security system or monitoring system designed for dementia patients.
- Add locks to exterior doors and gates; inside, add door alarms and childproof locks to cabinets.
- Never leave the person alone in the car.
- Get extra help: Get a Medical Guardian medical alert device that will notify you if any unusual behavior is detected in the home.
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Tip 6:
Embrace technologyEmbrace technology
For seniors with dementia, engaging with technology at a healthy level can actually slow cognitive decline and improve mental health.
- Load an iPad with home videos, favorite music, and family pictures for when they are feeling restless.
- Explore the world via live cams. Many museums, zoos, and nature preserves offer livestreams — take them on a virtual visit, which can help provide cognitive stimulation.
- Get extra help: Studies have shown that meditation exercises may improve cognitive function. New to meditation? Headspace's beginners guide to meditation is the perfect place to start.
CircleOf RecommendsThousands of caregivers on Care.com have experience with dementia patients.
Save 20%
Thousands of caregivers on Care.com have experience with dementia patients.Save 20%
Tip 1:
Assemble your care teamAssemble your care team
Dementia care is a role that can last for many years. It can be isolating, confusing, and is a 24/7 effort. Do not try to do this alone — reach out to people for help.
- Enlist friends and relatives. Ask them to take care shifts, bring meals, help with housework, or whatever else is needed.
- Join a caregiver support group. This is your safe place to connect, vent, and get advice.
- Hire in-home helpers. Whether you hire respite care to provide temporary relief or regular help with laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc., in-home helpers help lighten the daily load.
- Get extra help: Find an experienced dementia caregiver on Care.com.
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. If you are seeking medical advice, please consult with your licensed physician or other qualified health provider.