Helping Dementia Caregivers

What to know

If you are caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, there are tips and resources that can help you deal with the challenges you might face.

Young woman caregiver sitting on stool holding the hand of an older man on a sofa.

Caregiving for People with Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Alzheimer's disease is the 7th leading cause of death (overall) in the United States and the 6th leading cause of death among adults 65 or older.
  • As the number of people with Alzheimer's continues to grow, so will the need for caregivers.
  • Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60%-80% of all dementia cases. Caregivers for those with other dementias can benefit from this information as well.

Did you know?‎

Today, nearly 7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's disease. That number is predicted to double by 2060.

What Caregivers Need to Know

There are things you can do to cope with the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia.

Caregiver holding the hands of a male patient lying on a sofa.
Caring for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be challenging.

What to know or do when caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia

  1. The person you're caring for might not recognize you. This can be painful, but it is not personal.
  2. Try to meet them where they are. This means not correcting the person about what year it is, where they are, or other things.
  3. Having a routine is important for people with Alzheimer's or dementia.
  4. Discuss behavioral changes with the doctor. Some behaviors, such as aggression, can be related to undertreated pain, or may be side effects of various medications.
  5. Above all, practice self-care. Your loved one needs you to be healthy, both physically and mentally, to provide the best possible care.

Resources

There are programs available that can help enhance your skills as a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Dementia Dialogues is a program that:

  • Teaches caregivers about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia.
  • Provides information about communication strategies.
  • Offers creative ways to solve problems that caregivers may face.

Other programs are listed below. These can teach caregivers more about Alzheimer's and dementia, strategies for coping with caregiving, and how to improve quality of life for all involved.

Keep Reading: Caregiving Resources