Dementia Caregiver Guide

Dementia is a term used to describe a number of symptoms that affect memory and thinking. The most common symptoms include:

  • Memory Loss.
  • Trouble with language and communications.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Poor judgment and problems with reasoning.
  • Wandering from home or public places.
  • Extreme anxiety or depression.
  • Being suspicious or having angry outbursts and accusations.
  • Child-like behavior and language.

Dementia can be frightening and confusing. And taking care of someone with dementia can be challenging. This guide provides tips to help you when providing care for a person with dementia.

HOW TO HELP MANAGE LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Dementia usually gets worse slowly over time. In the early stages, people with dementia can stay independent and safe with some help. In later stages, they need help with daily tasks such as dressing, grooming, and using the bathroom. There are actions you can take to help a person manage his or her life while living with this condition.

Communicating

  • When the person is talking or seems frustrated, make eye contact and hold the person’s hand.
  • Ask specific questions that need yes or no answers.
  • Use simple words, short sentences, and a calm voice. Only give one direction at a time.
  • When offering choices, limit the person to just one or two.
  • Avoid correcting the person in a negative way.
  • If the person is struggling to find the right words, gently try to help him or her.

Preventing injury

  • Keep floors clear of clutter. Remove rugs, magazine racks, and floor lamps.
  • Keep hallways well lit, especially at night.
  • Put a handrail and nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower.
  • Put childproof locks on cabinets that contain dangerous items, such as medicines, alcohol, guns, toxic cleaning items, sharp tools or utensils, matches, and lighters.
  • For doors to the outside of the house, put the locks in places where the person cannot see or reach them easily. This will help ensure that the person does not wander out of the house and get lost.
  • Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses in a convenient area.
  • Remove car keys and lock garage doors so that the person does not try to get in the car and drive.
  • Have the person wear a bracelet that tracks locations and identifies the person as having memory problems. This should be worn at all times for safety.

Helping with daily life

  • Keep the person on track with his or her routine.
  • Try to identify areas where the person may need help.
  • Be supportive, patient, calm, and encouraging.
  • Gently remind the person that adjusting to changes takes time.
  • Help with the tasks that the person has asked for help with.
  • Keep the person involved in daily tasks and decisions as much as possible.
  • Encourage conversation, but try not to get frustrated if the person struggles to find words or does not seem to appreciate your help.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE STRESS

Look for signs of stress in yourself and in the person you are caring for. If you notice signs of stress, take steps to manage it. Symptoms of stress include:

  • Feeling anxious, irritable, frustrated, or angry.
  • Denying that the person has dementia or that his or her symptoms will not improve.
  • Feeling depressed, hopeless, or unappreciated.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Developing stress-related health problems.
  • Feeling like you have too little time for your own life.

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AT HOME:

Take care of your health

Make sure that you and the person you are caring for:

  • Get regular sleep.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat regular, nutritious meals.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
  • Attend all scheduled health care appointments.

General instructions

  • Join a support group with others who are caregivers.
  • Ask about respite care resources. Respite care can provide short-term care for the person so that you can have a regular break from the stress of caregiving.
  • Consider any safety risks and take steps to avoid them.
  • Organize medicines in a pill box for each day of the week.
  • Create a plan to handle any legal or financial matters. Get legal or financial advice if needed.
  • Keep a calendar in a central location to remind the person of appointments or other activities.

WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT:

Many individuals and organizations offer support. These include:

  • Support groups for people with dementia.
  • Support groups for caregivers.
  • Counselors or therapists.
  • Home health care services.
  • Adult day care centers.

WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION:

CONTACT A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

  • The person’s health is rapidly getting worse.
  • You are no longer able to care for the person.
  • Caring for the person is affecting your physical and emotional health.
  • You are feeling depressed or anxious about caring for the person.

GET HELP RIGHT AWAY IF:

  • The person threatens himself or herself, you, or anyone else.
  • You feel depressed or sad, or feel that you want to harm yourself. If you ever feel like your loved one may hurt himself or herself or others, or if he or she shares thoughts about taking his or her own life, get help right away. You can go to your nearest emergency department or:
  • Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.)
  • Call a suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 in the U.S. This is open 24 hours a day in the U.S.
  • Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (in the U.S.)

SUMMARY

  • Dementia is a term used to describe a number of symptoms that affect memory and thinking.
  • Dementia usually gets worse slowly over time.
  • Take steps to reduce the person’s risk of injury and to plan for future care.
  • Caregivers need support, relief from caregiving, and time for their own lives.