When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.
The good news is, there are plenty of resources available to support both you and your loved one along the way. Learning how to care for a parent with dementia at home can help you feel more prepared for the journey ahead.In this blog, we’ll share 10 practical tips to help you best support a person with dementia at home while also taking care of your own well-being.
Understanding the Progression of Dementia
Dementia is a term used to describe a group of conditions that typically affect a person’s cognitive abilities. Most individuals with dementia experience changes that may affect their thinking and behavior.As symptoms progress, these changes often impact everyday life for both the person with dementia and their family. When you’re caring for a parent with dementia at home, understanding the different stages of the disease can help you prepare for what’s ahead.While every person’s experience with dementia is unique, most people go through three main stages: mild, moderate, and severe. Knowing what to expect in each stage can help you better plan ahead as your loved one’s needs progress.
Mild (Early Stage)
When a person is first diagnosed with dementia, they’re often still able to manage their daily routine with little assistance. During this stage, your loved one may still have the ability to make decisions and communicate clearly. That’s why it’s a good time to have important conversations about putting essential paperwork in place, like a power of attorney or a dementia care plan, during this stage.Although your loved one may still seem like themselves at this point, you might begin to notice some changes, including:
- Frequently misplacing items like car keys or glasses
- Struggling to follow conversations or find the right words
- Repeating questions or stories
- Having trouble keeping track of time or appointments
- Avoiding social situations or activities they once enjoyed
Moderate (Middle Stage)
As dementia symptoms progress, your parent may begin to need more help throughout the day. Sometimes, they may not realize they need support or feel that accepting help means losing their independence. These moments can lead to tension or resistance, and it’s completely normal to feel emotionally drained or overwhelmed.During this stage, you’ll likely notice more significant changes in your loved one’s thinking and behavior, like:
- Becoming confused more frequently, even in familiar places
- Struggling with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, grooming, or getting dressed
- Mixing up names of places, things, or even close family members
- Wandering or feeling disoriented
- Showing changes in mood or personality, such as irritability, anxiety, or suspicion
Severe (Late Stage)
In the final stage of dementia, a person may lose the ability to communicate clearly, recognize loved ones, or move around without assistance. Most individuals with late-stage dementia require assistance around the clock.Caring for a parent with dementia at home can be challenging. It’s heartbreaking to watch someone you love struggle with symptoms of dementia. If you’re finding it difficult to fully meet your loved one’s needs on your own, consider seeking out additional assistance, like in-home support services or memory care, to help you in supporting your family member’s specific needs.During the final stage of dementia, your loved one might begin to:
- Speak very little or stop speaking altogether
- Struggle to eat, swallow, or stay physically active
- Sleep more often or seem withdrawn
- Become more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia
10 Tips for Dementia Caregivers
Supporting a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and physically exhausting, even for the most experienced caregivers. When a parent no longer recognizes you, it can leave you feeling heartbroken or unsure of what to do. At the same time, they may feel confused, frustrated, or scared about these changes.There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for a parent with dementia at home. Here are a few key strategies to help you support your loved one’s unique needs and help them make the most of each day:
Create a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment
Individuals with dementia often experience changes in memory, balance, and judgment that can make navigating their current home uncomfortable or even challenging as symptoms worsen.Depending on your loved one’s specific needs, you may need to make a few adjustments to their living space to help ensure their safety and make it easier for them to move around.Here are some things you may need to do:
- Get rid of clutter and clear walkways to help reduce their risk of trips and falls.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom and near stairs for extra support.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub, shower, and other slippery areas.
- Add nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms for better visibility.
- Label drawers, doors, and cabinets with simple words or pictures.
- Keep frequently used items in easy-to-reach, familiar places.
- Secure or remove area rugs that could cause slipping.
- If wandering is a concern, install safety locks or alarms on doors.
- Cover sharp furniture corners to reduce the risk of injury.
- Keep cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects locked away.
- Adjust water heater temperatures to prevent accidental burns.
- Use appliances with auto shut-off features when possible.
- Create a cozy space decorated with familiar personal items, soft lighting, and minimal distractions.
Provide Brain-Healthy Activities
Stimulating the brain can offer many benefits for everyone, especially individuals with dementia. As your loved one’s condition progresses, try adapting brain-healthy activities they enjoy to match their current abilities. These activities can help boost their mood, keep them engaged, and strengthen their connection with caregivers.Here are a few brain-healthy activities you can try:
- Solving familiar and manageable puzzles
- Sorting objects by color or shape
- Looking through photo albums
- Painting or coloring
- Gardening or watering plants
- Folding towels or laundry
- Matching games or dominoes
- Baking or cooking simple recipes
- Reading along or listening to audiobooks
Help With Personal Care and Hygiene
Individuals with later-stage dementia may struggle to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal care tasks like bathing, brushing teeth, and using the toilet. Your parent may have trouble getting dressed on their own or accidentally leave the stove on.It’s important to approach these moments with patience and respect. Offer assistance when needed, and try to preserve their dignity by encouraging them to do whatever they’re still able to manage on their own.
Encourage Light Physical Activity
Regularly engaging in light physical activity can offer many wellness benefits for people with dementia. According to experts, physical activity may also help reduce feelings of agitation and anxiety in individuals living with dementia.Here are some gentle movement ideas you may try:
- Chair yoga or stretching
- Short walks outside when the weather is mild
- Dancing to familiar music
- Light gardening activities (like watering plants or pulling weeds)
- Folding laundry
Assist With Medication Management
If your aging parent with dementia is also managing other health conditions, changes in memory can make it difficult for them to manage their medications on their own. They might miss their doctor’s appointments or skip doses.That’s why, when caring for a parent with dementia at home, it’s crucial to help them take their medication correctly. Keep a clear record of what they’re taking, the correct dosage, and when each medication should be taken. You can use a pill organizer with daily compartments, set phone alerts, or keep a written list of their medicines for reference.
Offer a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Dementia can also affect your loved one’s eating habits. A person with dementia may have difficulty chewing, skip meals, or show less interest in food, which can lead to poor nutrition. Some possible signs include unexplained weight loss, spoiled food left in the fridge, or changes in mood.If your loved one is having trouble eating, offering small, well-balanced meals throughout the day can make a big difference. Foods that are easy to chew and swallow, like yogurt, soft fruits, or scrambled eggs, are usually good options to keep within reach. Sharing meals together can also make mealtimes feel more comforting and enjoyable.
Maintain a Consistent Daily Routine
Dementia can also disrupt a person’s sense of time. This often shows up as confusion and anxiety, especially in the evenings, commonly referred to as sundowning. You can help combat these feelings by helping your loved one maintain a consistent daily routine, including waking up, eating meals, bathing, and going to bed at the same time each day.
Use Simple, Clear Communication
As dementia progresses, it often becomes harder for individuals to follow conversations or express themselves. They may repeat stories or questions, and struggle to find the right words. This can be incredibly frustrating for both you and your family member.Try speaking to your loved one slowly and gently. Refrain from raising your voice or asking too many questions. Call them by name and give them time to respond. Avoid correcting or arguing, even when they say something confusing. Instead, gently acknowledge their point of view and validate their feelings.
Try to Remain Patient and Supportive
There will be days when nothing seems to go right. Your parent might ask the same question ten times, call you by the wrong name, or not recognize a close family member. These moments can be stressful for everyone involved.However, it’s important to keep in mind that their behavior is a result of the disease and not a reflection of how they feel about you. You don’t have to have all the answers right away. Take a deep breath, step away if needed, and return with a calmer approach.
Watch for Signs of Pain or Discomfort
As your loved one’s condition progresses, they may not be able to tell you when something hurts. Changes in behavior, like increased restlessness, aggression, or withdrawal, can be signs of physical discomfort.When caring for a parent with dementia at home, watch for clues like facial expressions, changes in appetite, or how they walk or sit. If something feels off, speak to their doctor right away to help catch and address potential problems early.
Daily Care Routine Example
A daily care routine can help introduce a sense of structure to your loved one’s day as well as help you organize your caregiving duties. Below is a sample routine to help guide you. Feel free to swap out activities based on what you or your loved one enjoys and their specific circumstances.
Challenges Caregivers Often Face
When a parent or loved one is diagnosed with dementia, your first instinct might be to step in and take care of everything yourself. It’s normal to want to protect them, help them feel safe, and do your best to keep life feeling familiar. But caring for a parent with dementia at home is never easy, especially when they begin to change in ways you weren’t prepared for.You may find yourself trying to calm them when they insist someone stole from them, even though nothing is missing. Or you may stay up late, night after night, because they become restless or confused after the sun goes down. Some days, they may not recognize you, or they might become angry or scared without any apparent reason.These moments can leave you feeling helpless, heartbroken, or completely worn out. You might feel tired all the time, lose patience more quickly, or start feeling numb or overwhelmed. Don’t feel guilty for needing rest. Please know that your well-being matters, too.Here are a few practical ways to help manage the ups and downs of caregiving:
- Take Breaks: The day-to-day demands of caregiving can take a toll on anyone. Without a break, you risk experiencing burnout, which can impact your ability to support your loved one. Take regular breaks to allow yourself to rest and recharge.
- Ask for Help: You don’t have to do this alone. If things start to feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to siblings or a respite care service to help meet your parent’s needs.
- Join a Support Group: Try joining support groups for people caring for someone with dementia. Talking to other caregivers who understand what you’re going through can be comforting and healing.
- Practice Staying Calm: Caring for a parent with dementia at home requires patience, especially during tense situations. When your loved one is confused or upset, try not to argue. Instead, gently reassure them or redirect the conversation. Give yourself permission to walk away for a moment if needed.
How Memory Care Can Help
When supporting a loved one with dementia starts to feel like too much — physically, emotionally, or mentally — it’s okay to explore additional help to meet their needs. Memory care services are specifically designed to support individuals living with cognitive challenges like dementia.In a memory care community, your loved one will find professionally trained, compassionate caregivers, comfortable accommodations, opportunities to connect with others, life-enriching activities, and more.
When Should Someone With Dementia Transition to a Care Home?
As symptoms of dementia progress, it may become harder to meet your loved one’s needs at home. At this stage of their journey, it might be time to consider additional support when you need to take a short break, if that feels right for both of you.Here are a few options that are worth looking into:
- Respite Care: Respite care services can support your parent’s needs for a short time, giving you the opportunity to take a break or handle other responsibilities. This option is suitable for someone in the early to middle stages of dementia, or when the primary caregiver needs time to rest and recharge.
- Assisted Living Communities: In assisted living, residents receive the right support for their specific needs — how and when they need it — while still managing many aspects of their daily routines. This option is best for someone who still enjoys some independence, such as a person in the early to middle stages of dementia.
- Memory Care Communities: Every aspect of a memory care community is thoughtfully designed to support the unique needs of people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, while also enhancing their quality of life. Memory care is often a good fit for someone in the middle to late stages of dementia.
- Skilled Nursing Services: Skilled nursing services offer specialized support for people with complex medical needs, including those living with dementia. It can be a helpful next step if your loved one with dementia is also managing other serious health concerns, such as difficulty swallowing, needing a feeding tube, or requiring ongoing medical care.
While each person’s experience is unique, here are some common signs that may suggest it’s time to seek out additional support services for your parent:
- Support needs have become too much to manage alone
- Increasing confusion, fear, or aggression
- Frequent medical emergencies or hospital visits
- You feel burnt out or emotionally exhausted
- Increasing safety concerns, like frequent wandering or getting lost
- Ongoing issues with hygiene or incontinence
- Lack of social interaction
- Trouble eating, swallowing, or managing medications
StoryPoint Group Communities Are Here for You and Your Loved One
At StoryPoint Group communities, we treat every resident like family. We understand that each person’s journey is unique, which is why we take the time to get to know their specific needs — so that we can provide the best possible experience for them.If someone you love could benefit from additional support, including memory care, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.To learn more, give us a call today at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour at your nearby StoryPoint Group community.
