Developing consistent routines, planning enjoyable activities, and incorporating safety measures are just some of the ways you can support a parent living with dementia at home.
Dementia refers to a group of progressive disorders that can cause cognitive decline, with Alzheimer’s disease being the
As the U.S. population ages, experts estimate that Alzheimer’s cases will double by
This, in turn, can mean more families will be caring for their parents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. In fact,
Caring for a parent with dementia at home is an act of love that can also present challenges for a caregiver. Learn what you can do to improve the life of a parent with dementia and your role as the primary caregiver.
A person with dementia may experience confusion, stress, and anxiety. Having a consistent routine can help that person know what to expect on a daily basis and put them at ease.
Maintaining a daily routine means adopting consistent times for:
- dressing and getting ready for the day
- meals
- exercise
- bathing
- activities
- bedtime
Aside from scheduling activities at consistent times of the day, it’s equally important to plan those that your parent truly enjoys and can participate in safely.
When planning activities for a parent, think back to those you might have enjoyed as a family, as well as a parent’s personal hobbies.
Some possible activities to enjoy with a parent include:
- looking through family photo albums together
- gardening
- cooking or baking
- walking
- dancing
- singing
- working on puzzles
- drawing or painting
- playing cards or board games
- reading or listening to a book together
It’s also a good idea to have “rainy day” activities planned should any outdoor plans get changed due to inclement weather.
With dementia, your parent may have trouble organizing to-do lists and keeping track of important information. A co-created calendar can help.
Consider keeping a monthly calendar detailing scheduled activities, appointments, and special events or holidays. You can also create a weekly calendar or separate to-do lists and place them in an easily accessible area, such as on the refrigerator.
If your parent is taking any medications, it’s crucial that you include these in a daily calendar as well. You can also help your parent set alarms as additional reminders.
Being able to care for a parent with dementia at home helps provide some assurance for both of you, as your parent is in a familiar environment. However, you may still need to make some modifications to help keep your parent
Experts recommend a shower chair as a common safety device. To prevent slips and falls in the bathroom, you may also consider converting a tub into a walk-in version, installing safety bars, and placing a raised seat over the toilet.
Other devices that may help keep your parent safe while at home include:
- installing multiple handrails along staircases
- marking steps with bright-colored tape
- ensuring adequate lighting
- removing small rugs and other possible trip hazards
- covering electrical outlets
- installing safety latches outside of cabinets and doors
Just as safety equipment and assistive devices can help prevent falls and other injuries, buying appropriate clothing for your parent can also provide comfort and peace of mind.
It’s important that a person with dementia has loose-fitting clothing that is also easy to take on and off. In particular, consider helping your parent acquire items with the following key features:
- loose tops and bottoms made with a breathable fabric, such as cotton
- pants and shorts with elastic waistbands
- tops and jackets with large buttons or easy-to-grip zippers
- slip-on shoes instead of those with laces
Insomnia, frequent waking, and other sleep disturbances are common with dementia. This can disrupt a parent’s natural body clock and possibly worsen symptoms. This can also make it challenging for you to get enough sleep at night.
As a caregiver, you can help encourage a healthy sleep-wake pattern in your parent by:
- limiting naps
- cutting out stimulants, such as caffeine
- bringing them outside during the day as much as possible
- making sure they get enough physical activity during the day
- ensuring their bedroom is cool and dark at night
- talking with their doctor about sleep disturbances and whether medications may be appropriate
Aside from the changes you can make at home, it’s also helpful to learn more about dementia. Doing so will not stop the disease from progressing, but it can help you be better prepared for what to expect over the course of your parent’s health journey.
Try to accompany your parent to all of their medical appointments and ask questions about the stages of their dementia. You can also let the doctor know about any changes you’re witnessing at home. This can help the doctor better understand the stage of your parent’s dementia.
It’s also important to understand what dementia treatment options your parent has. While dementia is a long-term progressive disease, there are certain medications that can help improve symptoms and possibly delay some of the changes.
Prescription medications for dementia are usually
While caregiver courses are often viewed as training for people who are not related to the individual receiving care, family members can also benefit from these types of learning experiences.
Training courses can help with dementia-specific caregiving skills and teach you how to handle emergencies. Some trainings may even teach family caregivers verbal and nonverbal skills to better communicate with loved ones with dementia.
There are a variety of caregiver courses online and in person, some of which may also have small fees. You can also access free caregiver courses provided by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Caring for a family member with dementia can be a full-time job and involve around-the-clock attention.
While your parent may be your number-one priority right now, it’s also important to take care of yourself to help prevent burnout. This can include reserving small chunks of time for exercise, eating healthy meals, resting, and relaxing.
If you’re short on time, know that taking small breaks throughout the day can also help you be a better caregiver for your parent. Enlisting the help of another family member or hiring outside supplemental caregivers can be beneficial in making sure you can care for yourself, too.
You might also enroll your parent in an adult day care program 1 or 2 days a week to give yourself time to catch up with other duties, like grocery shopping, laundry, and housecleaning.
You may even consider joining a caregiver’s support group. Sharing your experiences with others can benefit your mental and emotional health.
Caring for a parent with dementia at home can be challenging, but having a plan and making modifications to the home environment can all help.
Learning about your parent’s condition and talking with their doctors can also give you an idea of what to expect so you can better prepare.
While you’re busy making sure you meet the needs of your parent with dementia, do not forget to take care of yourself. Having other family members, friends, and a support group can help so you can be the best possible caregiver for your parent.