Strategies for Caring for Someone With Dementia

During the month of November, Mayo Clinic and NBC Universal are partnering to honor National Family Caregivers Month. This partnership has fostered a website called the Caregiver Resource Guide, which provides strategies, tips, and support for caregivers of people with a variety of conditions. For the next 4 weeks, we will be sharing strategies you can use as you care for someone living with dementia; here are the first two.

See Beyond the Disease

“Much of what we understand about dementia is focused on what’s wrong, what’s not working, what declines and deficits people experience,” says Angela Lunde, M.A., an investigator in Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. The problem with this view, Lunde says, is that it reinforces harmful misconceptions, such as people with dementia can no longer contribute in meaningful ways or learn new things and are not the same person they used to be. It’s vital for caregivers to stay in the present and establish a safe and supportive space for their loved one. Focus on having positive interactions with encouraging smiles and hugs that remind them they are the person you know and love. Show them they are still needed by asking for their help with various tasks and include them in whatever activities you can. Seeing beyond the disease is the surest way to support them on a path that prioritizes wellness.

Maintain a Routine

People with diminished cognitive skills need a daily routine, as a reliable schedule for sleep, meals and bathing can provide emotional security. Writing down to-do lists, appointments and events can give your loved one access to information they may not remember. Whenever possible, schedule some physical activity each day to ensure you both get exercise and fresh air. It’s important to avoid overstimulation as well as boredom, according to Mayo Clinic, so build quiet time into the day around shared activities.

You can view the full list of strategies on the Caregiver Resource Guide website. All information provided is courtesy of Mayo Clinic and NBC Universal (2022).