How to Care for Someone with Dementia at Home

Discovering a family member is living with dementia is often an unexpected and overwhelming reality to face. When you find yourself suddenly having to take care of a loved one, especially someone who was once your caretaker, adjusting to the responsibility and new dynamic takes both a practical and emotional toll. 

Despite how common the condition is—around 6.5 million Americans age 65+ have been diagnosed with the most common form, Alzheimer’s—many family caretakers end up making the same mistakes in their approach to dementia care. This ultimately contributes to more behavior problems and declining mental wellness for the care recipient as well as the care provider. 

Whether you’ve recently become the caregiver for your loved one with dementia, or you’re facing burnout after a long period of caretaking and are looking for advice, ComForCare New Braunfels is here to support you. Discover how to care for someone with dementia in a way that eases the burden for both you and your loved one.

What is Dementia Care? 

Caring for a loved one with dementia involves a range of support strategies that adapt as the condition progresses, with later stages requiring more intensive assistance. However, the following key elements are generally included in dementia care:

Everyday Dementia Care

As dementia affects thinking, memory, and reasoning, individuals often require help with:

• Everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and dressing. 
• Establishing a routine to provide comfort and stability.
• Helping them keep track of daily tasks by writing things down.
• Using a medication reminder system to manage their health needs.
• Keeping mealtimes consistent, with enough time and a familiar setting to help them feel at ease.

Managing Communication & Behavior

People with dementia may exhibit anxiety, agitation, or anger. Managing behavior and communication is a vital part of how to care for someone with dementia, including: 

• Reassuring them with calm, patient speech, and listen attentively to show understanding.
• Respect their personal space and offer quiet times and activities to reduce stress.
• Surrounding them with familiar objects that bring a sense of security.
• Encouraging two-way communication for as long as possible.
• If they have trouble communicating, distract them with a familiar activity or object to ease frustration.

Maintain a Healthy & Active Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is important for people with dementia. Caregivers can help by: 

• Finding activities that allow them to move and stay engaged.
• Helping them get started and making the activity more enjoyable if they seem uninterested.
• Incorporating music can lift their mood and add fun to physical activity.
• Introducing short mini-workouts or taking walks together to encourage physical health.
• Offering a variety of healthy, easy-to-serve foods, giving them choices to foster independence.

Safe Home for Seniors with Dementia

Safety at home is crucial for individuals with dementia since they are more prone to accidents and confusion. Dementia caregivers can keep their loved ones safe by: 

• Removing hazards and installing safety features, such as handrails, safety grips, or carpeted surfaces for better traction.
• Use bright tape to mark the edges of stairs for visibility.
• Adding safety plugs to outlets and latches to cabinets containing dangerous items.
• Ensure the home has good lighting and remove items they could trip over.
• Minimizing busy patterns that may cause confusion or disorientation.
• Securing dangerous household or cleaning products to avoid accidents.

Dementia Care Dos & Don’ts

Caring for a loved one with dementia requires patience, understanding, and a compassionate approach. The loss of independence can be upsetting for them, so knowing what not to do is often just as important as knowing the right steps to take.

Sometimes, despite our best intentions, the ways we try to support or communicate only create confusion and frustration. This can lead to resistance and challenging behaviors from your loved one while increasing stress for you.

Dementia Care Don’ts 

1. DON’T remind them they have dementia. This will only upset them further, as they don’t fully understand and may feel frustrated. 

2. DON’T point out that they need help. It can make them feel like a burden. If they seem happier around others who visit, it’s often because those people aren’t a constant reminder of their condition.

3. DON’T correct them. They aren’t able to change, and correction can damage the relationship, leading to emotional strain and increased negative behaviors.

4. DON’T take things personally or force situations. The behaviors they display aren’t intentional—the disease is causing the changes.

Dementia Care Dos

1. DO let them do what they can. Even if it takes longer, allowing them to complete tasks on their own helps preserve their sense of independence and reduces feelings of being a burden.

2. DO enjoy their company. Focus on creating joyful moments and meaningful activities that encourage connection.

3. DO set up spaces and activities that promote independence. Opt for easy-to-wear clothing, like items without shoelaces or buttons, to make daily routines smoother.

4. DO foster a calm, supportive environment. This helps them feel more secure and allows for easier communication and care.

Making Dementia Care Easier for You & Your Loved One

Caring for a family member with dementia can be emotionally and physically challenging, but with understanding, patience, and the right approach, you can create a more supportive and compassionate environment. Putting yourself in their shoes, practicing tolerance, and creating dementia-friendly routines are key to reducing stress for both you and your loved one.

If the demands of care become overwhelming or if you’re seeking additional support, consider in-home care. At ComForCare New Braunfels, our compassionate caregivers specialize in dementia care, helping maintain your loved one's dignity and well-being while giving you peace of mind. Our personalized care plans ensure your loved one receives the support they need in the comfort of their own home.

Let us help make dementia care easier for your family—reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can support you.