When it comes to people with dementia, their caregivers aren’t necessarily professionals who get paid. Oftentimes, they are a spouse, a child, a parent, another relative, a friend, or even a neighbor who assists an individual with their daily living activities and more.
Watching someone you love begin to lose their memory is challenging. It can be even more difficult when you are their primary caregiver and are responsible for their well-being. According to the Center for Disease Control, around 80% of adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias receive care in their homes.
Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be both rewarding and overwhelming, but one thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are resources, support networks, and experts to talk to. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24–hour helpline, staffed by professionals trained to assist those living with dementia and their caregivers.
When you feel that the time is right for your loved one to get care elsewhere, know that options are available. Here at Branchlands, we offer Memory Care neighborhood-style residences with 24-hour supervised care in a safe, secure environment.
If you’re managing your loved one’s daily living activities at home, we’ve gathered six helpful tips for dementia caregivers.
1. Research Dementia
There are many comprehensive, trusted sources of useful information to prepare you for caregiving challenges, such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether you need to know how to respond when someone is asking the same question multiple times or what might help with sundowning, their site offers a wealth of information about dementia symptoms and what the implications will be for day-to-day living. Their 24/7 helpline is another reliable way to ask questions confidentially.
2. Manage Everyday Care
Create a Routine
In order to prevent confusion in people with dementia, it is helpful to do the same activities every day at roughly the same time in order to establish structure and consistency. If you and your loved one generally eat breakfast at 8 a.m., then you should try to do that every day. The same goes for showering or bathing and getting ready for bed.
In addition to meals and daily hygiene, plan on a few activities that you do every day. For some people, that may be walking the beloved family pet, while for others it might include a trip to the library, the park, or a favorite coffee shop to see a friend. Whatever it is you do every day, consistency brings a sense of familiarity.
Offer to Assist with Hygiene
If your loved one is still independent, make sure that their hygiene products are clearly labeled. There may come a time when they are not sure what to use—be ready to hand them the shampoo and then the conditioner when they are in the shower or put toothpaste on their toothbrush for them. Be on hand for any questions they may have, but don’t take away their independence before it’s necessary. Your loved one is an adult who deserves dignity and respect, even when it would be easier to simply do it for them.
Purchase Straightforward Attire
Clothes that can be pulled on without needing to manage buttons or ties are the better option. Tying shoes can become complicated for someone with dementia, so slip-on shoes that can easily be pulled on or off without assistance are best. You may have to help your loved one pick out their outfit in the morning or lay out their pajamas before bed. Give them as much direction as they need, like pulling out their clothes for the day, but allow as much independence as possible, which might mean giving them multiple options of outfits to wear.
Make Mealtime Less Complicated
Some people with dementia experience changes in their eating habits. This could mean disliking foods they always liked, or liking foods they never would have previously eaten in a million years. Try not to take it personally if you cook their favorite meal only to have them turn their nose up at it. It’s best to serve simple meals and maybe even just present one item at a time on their plate. For instance, start with the chicken, and then once they are finished add the mashed potatoes or veggies to the plate.
You may need to cut things up into small bites or serve soft foods because swallowing can become difficult for people with dementia. Be patient with them—they may eat much slower than they previously did. As their condition progresses, their appetite can diminish, so keep an eye on how much they are eating and supplement if necessary. The Alzheimer’s Association has additional suggestions concerning food and eating.
3. Plan Activities
Be sure to include some fun activities in your plans for the week! You should consider local music performances, exercise classes, and other interesting ways to regularly get out of the house. Sometimes social interactions can be stressful, so look for activities with smaller groups and quieter locations.
The Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville offers many opportunities during the week to get out and join in something fun and educational. From mahjong and ping pong to mindful meditation and piano music, the Center has more than enough options for you and your loved one, including an Alzheimer’s support group. Here at Branchlands, we make sure those living in our Memory Care community have appropriate activities every day.
4. Foster Independence
Encourage your loved one to continue doing those tasks they are capable of for as long as they can. If they still know how to vacuum or make the bed, let them engage in those activities and take as long as they need to do them. It’s okay if the same piece of carpet gets vacuumed twice, because you are giving your loved one a sense of purpose and worth. And feel free to let them pick out their outfit or help prepare a meal if that’s something they are still capable of and would enjoy doing.
5. Communicate Simply
When speaking with your loved one with dementia, caregivers should communicate in a way that uses simple language. The Harvard Medical School suggests using shorter sentences and smaller words. Don’t use convoluted jargon or difficult terms. If a conversation is causing stress or discomfort, change the subject to something you know they enjoy. Reminisce about things they can remember from the past that conjure pleasant memories.
It’s important not to exclude them from conversations or talk about them as if they weren’t with you in the same room, according to the National Institute on Aging. Writing things down is helpful as well: keep lists and mark events and appointments on a calendar for them to see.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Burnout is a reality for caregivers, which means you need to make time for your own well-being. Finding a friend or family member who can stay with your loved one can give you a much-needed hour or two to yourself. There are also professional respite services that can take care of your loved one for longer periods of time if you need to go away for a few weeks. Make sure you are talking to friends, seeing a doctor, eating healthy meals, exercising, and getting the time you need for your personal interests and hobbies. As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself before you can provide adequate care for your loved one with dementia. Hopefully these tips will be useful in your journey.
When the time is right, Linden House Assisted Living at Branchlands has both assisted living and memory care options for you and your loved one. Schedule a tour of Linden House today.
Resources for Dementia Caregivers
For additional information, you can visit the following organizations online for more in-depth articles on being a dementia caregiver and get contact details for support.
Alzheimers.gov
www.alzheimers.gov
Alzheimer’s Association
https://www.alz.org/
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
https://alzfdn.org
Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org
Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA)
https://www.jabacares.org/
Meals on Wheels America
www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
