Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's: 6 Expert Tips
Support becomes more important as challenges increase
Support becomes more important as challenges increase
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be a rewarding journey but it is also deeply challenging. It requires patience, compassion and understanding.
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that gets worse with time. It is the most common type of dementia. More than six million people in the United States have it, mostly seniors.
Over 16 million adults care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and its stages is important for effective caregiving.
Family members and friends often care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. As symptoms worsen, the need for care and support increases.
“Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is a labor of love but it can be overwhelming. Each stage brings its own challenges and requires different care strategies,” says Gregory Sahagian, MD, a neurologist at Scripps Clinic.
Caregivers may also be juggling work, parenting or their own health, making it crucial to find support and know where to start.
Here are five important tips for Alzheimer’s caregivers:
1. Knowing when Alzheimer’s caregiving is most needed
Alzheimer’s typically progresses over nine to 10 years though the timeline can vary widely.
In the early stages, memory lapses and subtle behavior changes may occur.
Early caregiving often involves:
- Medication reminders
- Appointment coordination
- Help with household tasks
- Emotional support
During the middle stages, memory and behavior issues become more severe. Caregivers may need to assist with:
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Dressing and meal prep
- Managing safety concerns
The later stages require full-time care. As mental and physical skills decline, emotional support is just as important as physical help. This support is vital for both the person with dementia and the family caregiver.
2. Learning how to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult, especially at the beginning. But you are not alone. Many resources are available to help you support your loved one and care for yourself.
Know where to start: If you are unsure where to begin, the Eldercare Locator can help. This is a public service from the U.S. Administration on Aging. It connects you with local caregiving services and support. The Alzheimer’s Association is another great resource for caregivers.
Build a strong support system: Connect with family, friends and other caregivers. Joining a support group can help. They provide emotional support and helpful advice. Sharing your experiences can lower stress and feelings of loneliness.
Understand your role as a caregiver: Your main job is to provide physical and emotional support. This includes helping with daily tasks, managing medications, providing companionship and keeping your loved one safe.
Learn about Alzheimer’s disease: Learn about the stages of dementia and how the disease develops. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for changes and give better care.
Communicate with compassion: Keep open and respectful communication with your loved one. Discuss their likes, emotions and health changes. Even as dementia progresses, compassionate communication helps them feel heard, valued and connected.
3. Caring from a distance
Even if you live far away, you can help a loved one with dementia.
Create a local support network: Find family, friends or trusted neighbors nearby who can help. They can run errands or update you on your loved one’s condition. Share your care plan with them so everyone knows what to do.
Set up regular check-ins: Use video calls, phone calls or text messages to connect with your loved one or their caregivers. These check-ins keep you informed. They also let you respond quickly if something needs attention.
Regular contact also reassures them that they are not alone.
Use local support services: Look into adult day programs, senior centers or home care. These services help ease stress for family caregivers and those with dementia. They also provide structured activities and supervision.
Send thoughtful care packages: Sending small gifts, favorite snacks, photos or handwritten notes can brighten your loved one’s day. These simple acts strengthen your bond and show you care, even from a distance.
4. Recognize and prevent caregiver burnout
Recognizing caregiver burnout early is important for your health. It also helps you care better for your loved one with dementia.
“Whenever I treat patients with Alzheimer’s, I automatically consider their caregivers to be my patients as well,” says Dr. Sahagian. “I ask how they’re doing and what help they need, knowing their health impacts the quality of care their loved one receives.”
Watch for these warning signs:
- Emotional exhaustion
- Irritability
- Social withdrawal
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue, headaches and stomach issues
- Neglecting self-care (like skipping meals, not exercising, or not taking breaks)
If you notice these signs, ask for help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It is a key step for your health. This way, you can continue to support your loved one.
5. Consider short-term care options
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be physically and emotionally draining. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, respite care offers a much-needed break to rest and recharge.
Respite or short-term care provides temporary relief by having a trained professional or facility care for the person living with dementia — for a few hours, a day or even several days — either at home or in a care setting.
Common types of respite care:
- In-home respite services
- Adult day programs
- Short-term stays in assisted living or memory care facilities
Respite care helps family caregivers recharge and prevent burnout. Ask your loved one’s doctor or social worker about options or contact local organizations or your area agency on aging for details.
6. Tips for managing caregiver stress
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver.
Here are some practical tips to help you cope effectively:
Delegate tasks: Share responsibilities with family or friends when you can. This lightens your load and gives you time to rest.
Set realistic goals: Understand that you cannot do everything. Focus on what is most important each day.
Take care of yourself: Set aside time for exercise, hobbies and relaxation. Eat healthy, sleep enough and take breaks. A rested caregiver provides better care.
Join support groups: Local and online groups for family caregivers provide advice, support and a sense of connection.
Practice mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can lower anxiety and boost focus.
Get professional help: Talk to a counselor or therapist if stress feels too much.
“If stress feels overwhelming, talk to a counselor or therapist. You don’t have to face it alone,” says Dr. Sahagian.