Caring for a Loved One with Dementia 

It can be difficult to know how to take care of a loved one with memory loss while also caring for yourself.

Aging is a natural part of life, often accompanied by challenges such as memory loss in elderly individuals. While forgetfulness is common, dementia is a condition where severe memory impairment significantly interferes with daily life. A variety of different diseases and injuries can cause dementia, with Alzheimer’s being a leading cause of it in older people. Early recognition of dementia symptoms is crucial for prompt medical intervention. Some forms of dementia can be slowed down or reversed if caught early enough by a doctor, while others are currently incurable.  

Recognizing the early signs of dementia in a loved one can help them get necessary treatment as soon as possible. Generally, these symptoms are short-term memory problems, confusion, poor decision-making skills, and changes in mood, such as suddenly being depressed or apathetic. People with dementia may struggle to find the right words to express themselves, get lost when walking or travelling, and fail to follow complex instructions such as recipes. 

How to take care of someone with dementia 

Many online resources are designed to help family caregivers of people who are losing their memory. The Alzheimer Society of Canada, for example, gives advice on how to deal with several different stages of dementia. Sometimes, it’s best if a person with dementia is put into a long-term care home.

However, for people directly caring for dementia patients, there’s much they can do to help, according to the Alzheimer Society. Keeping a daily schedule for eating, sleeping, and bathing is great for people with dementia. It is also good for them to stay active with hobbies or pastimes that they are capable of doing, preferably also scheduled at the same time each day.

Allowing people with dementia to have as much control as possible can greatly improve their lives. It might be worth considering if there are any household activities the person can do to keep from getting sedentary, such as playing games or making artistic crafts. At the same time, it is important to be realistic about what the person can safely do on their own. They may need supervision when doing potentially dangerous activities — like cooking — and may only be able to do things at a slower pace. 

One way to give a loved one some personal freedom is by allowing them to choose what to eat between two equally healthy options. For instance, when it comes to meal prepping, ask if they would prefer to eat yogurt or cottage cheese. People with dementia benefit from easy-to-use clothing, since large zippers and waistbands create less hassle than shoelaces, buttons, and buckles.  

Since caregiving implies a lot of responsibility for one person, it is helpful to have a network of family and friends who can also look after the person with dementia. 

Having a complete medical history of said person is also incredibly useful. Medical records detailing any allergies, past illnesses, or potential health complications are important for ensuring their long-term well-being. 

Taking care of yourself while looking after a person with dementia 

It can be physically and emotionally draining to take care of a family member who is losing their mental faculties. It is important for everyone involved that the caregiver looks after their own well-being, too. 

Loved ones of people with dementia often go through feelings of grief and loss, even when their family member is still alive. This is because dementia is often a sign that someone’s life expectancy is getting shorter. People also grieve the relationship they had with a person before the illness set in. These feelings are normal and can vary greatly between different people in the same situation. However, if someone truly has issues with processing their emotional turmoil, they may be suffering from what is called “complicated grief.” At this point, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a counsellor.  

Eating healthy food, exercising, spending time with friends, and keeping up to date with personal errands are all essential ways caretakers of dementia patients can look after themselves. When needed, they should also ask others to assist the caregiver in regular tasks, join a support group for people whose loved ones have dementia, or contact a long-term care home. 

Whether it’s a grandparent, parent, friend or other loved one,  knowing how to care for someone with dementia can be difficult. When home care is no longer viable, transitioning a loved one to a long-term care facility will provide them with specialized support. Consulting provincial or territorial health authorities and available resources is the start to finding suitable care options. It’s important to care for your own well-being just as much as the person you care for.