The Ultimate Dementia Caregivers Guide

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.”

If you have a loved one with dementia that you are providing care for, you are an unseen hero. Your unwavering support for your senior relative demonstrates an unmeasurable love and commitment. Caring for someone with dementia is not always an easy task. This article is intended to serve as a guidebook for dementia caregivers. With tips and resources that can be helpful while you navigate this difficult journey, you will be better prepared to provide the best dementia care; while caring for yourself, too. Keep reading to discover topics such as communication strategies, daily activities to include in a senior care routine, emotional impact on dementia caregivers, where to seek support, and more. At Serving Seniors Care, we understand the challenges that dementia caregivers face and truly empathize with the toll that caring for someone whose identity has been impacted by dementia can take. 

What Is Dementia 

Dementia is not a disease in and of itself but is an umbrella term for a compilation of symptoms such as progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Dementia is caused by a variety of diseases, most commonly Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this disease accounts for 60%-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s causes irreparable damage to brain cells that, in turn, have difficulty communicating with each other. Stages of dementia include early, mild, and severe which can each come with a different set of challenges and symptoms. Signs of early-stage dementia can include forgetfulness, confusion, and challenges with problem-solving. Dementia progressively becomes more severe as individuals struggling with a disease that causes dementia may eventually have trouble remembering where they are or recognizing their loved ones. 

Impact On Dementia Caregivers

Caring for a loved one that struggles with dementia symptoms is not only emotionally challenging but, often, physically exhausting as well. Exactly how demanding dementia care may be depends on the stage of dementia your loved one is experiencing. Emotionally, it can be tough to watch someone you love struggle to remember the things that they once loved. As dementia progresses, it can become increasingly difficult. Physically, dementia caregivers may struggle to contain or supervise their loved ones; especially in advanced stages of dementia. Dementia patients are known to wander off or get lost due to confusion. Additionally, assistance with daily tasks such as feeding and bathing can take a physical toll. 

Challenges Faced By Dementia Caregivers

Struggling with dementia can be unpredictable. Dementia caregivers must be on high alert at all times and ready to mitigate any outbursts or behavioral challenges. Memory loss can trigger many emotions such as anger, agitation, irritability, and depression. Dementia caregivers have no choice but to “roll with the punches” and try to shine a light when things feel dark for their loved ones. Being a dementia caregiver often means sacrificing your plans, autonomy, and needs. This can make it difficult to maintain a work/family/relationship/self-care balance and bring new issues into those departments. 

Qualities That A Dementia Caregiver Should Strive For 

While it may be difficult for a family member or loved one to someone with dementia to keep an upbeat attitude, it is something to strive for. Dementia patients are often more responsive to emotion, touch, and feeling versus spoken words. Doing your best as a dementia caregiver to be patient, empathetic, and flexible can make the journey more manageable. 

Creating A Safe And Supportive Environment

Caring for any senior, whether they struggle with dementia or not, should include providing certain safety measures. Home modifications such as handrails, additional lighting, shower chairs, and the like should be considered. Creating a safe environment that is supportive of their cognitive challenges is crucial. It may be helpful to label drawers, cabinets, and doors with pictures to help your loved one find items independently. It is also a good idea to install deterring locks, alarms, or similar devices to alert if a door or window has been opened to prevent your loved one from getting outside unattended. Engaging in supportive activities such as puzzles, listening to music, and leisurely walks can stimulate your loved one’s cognitive function and promote better moods. Tailor activities to their specific needs, preferences, and abilities. 

Navigating Challenging Behaviors

This is the tough one. Challenging behaviors are very common among those who struggle with dementia. These behaviors can include aggression, sleep disturbances, wandering, and more. Understanding the root causes of these unfavorable behaviors can be crucial to responding appropriately. Always approach difficult behaviors with empathy, patience, and love. It is typically best to avoid confrontation, and instead, attempt to redirect to avoid escalation. Strive for a calm and relaxing atmosphere to help mitigate tension. In some cases, seeking professional help for challenging behaviors is necessary. Consult with your loved one’s healthcare provider to gain insight on addressing specific behaviors.

Self-Care For Dementia Caregivers

“Caregiver burnout” is very real and can happen very quickly. Prioritizing your needs, health, and well-being as a dementia caregiver is crucial. If you are not feeling your best, it will be difficult to provide the best care. Take breaks when other family members are around, practice stress-management techniques, and most importantly – seek support when needed. 

Seeking Support

There are many organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, that host support groups and seminars for dementia caregivers. Online forums for dementia caregivers may also provide support, tips, and resources for loved ones with dementia. For dementia caregivers who need a break from time to time, respite services are available to provide care for their loved ones. In some cases, government assistance programs may even be available to provide respite vouchers for those in need. 

How We Can Help

Caring for a loved one with dementia is hard – but you are not alone and help is available. At Serving Seniors Care, our caregivers are well-qualified and experienced in dementia care. If you are searching for senior care services in the San Francisco area to provide quality senior care for your elder relative, contact Serving Seniors Care today. Our services include compassion care assistance encompassing a broad range of daily hygiene and household needs, memory loss and dementia care, and palliative and hospice support. Many of our senior care providers have been trained at the industry-renowned Kaiser Vallejo Hospital to provide post-stroke care and brain and spinal injury rehabilitation. Their invaluable experience and specialized training in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy set our senior caregivers apart from other senior care agencies. At Serving Seniors Care, we understand that your loved one needs quality senior care to enjoy their golden years with dignity and comfort for them – and peace of mind for the whole family. At Serving Senior Care, we take pride in providing the best senior care for your loved ones, whatever level of care they may require. Whether you seek part-time, full-time, or respite care, we are here for you and your loved one.