Tips for Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s

This National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s talk about ways to support families who are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can make it hard to care for a loved one. The good news is that there are things you can do to make daily life easier for both of you. Here are tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer's:

Keep them active. Try to keep your loved one involved in activities and busy as much as possible. Staying active can help both their cognitive and physical health.

Use visual cues: People with Alzheimer's often have trouble remembering what they see, so if you give them a visual cue—like drawing a picture of what you're trying to explain—it will help them understand what you're saying.

Watch for triggers. If you know what sets off your loved one's symptoms, then try not to bring those triggers into their lives as much as possible. If you do have to face a trigger, try distracting them with an activity or something else pleasant until they calm down enough so that they can focus on what you're saying instead of focusing on their anger or frustration.

Keep things simple. When possible, limit the number of tasks and responsibilities so that they don't feel overwhelmed. Don't try to get them to remember things they've forgotten. Try not to use words that are too complex, or give instructions that require more than one step.

Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a great way to help people with Alzheimer's feel good about themselves and the things they've accomplished throughout the day.

Encourage them to do things that are familiar to them. This can be as simple as remembering their favorite food, or something like a hobby they enjoy.

Reassure them that you are there for them, and let them know what is happening at the moment. For example, if they are in the car with you and they seem confused, tell them where you are going and what you will be doing when you arrive.

Remind them of the good times by looking at family photos together, or sharing one of your favorite stories from childhood with them.

We know that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be difficult, but we also believe that there are some things you can do to make the experience less stressful. There are support groups and community outreach programs that can help.

You can turn to us for support. Our caregivers, all bonded and insured, understand that caring for an adult with Alzheimer's or dementia requires patience and perseverance. They are trained to help your loved one safely manage activities of daily living and provide support, compassion, and overall enhance their quality of life. You are not alone in this.