Tips for Caregivers

University Parkway January 20, 2023

Taking Care of an aging loved one can be a full-time job that you feel like you didn’t sign up for. Be sure to take care of yourself as well! Below are some tips on caring for a loved one effectively, to reduce stress for you both.

Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.
Help the person with dementia write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.
Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day.
Consider a system or reminders for helping those who must take medications regularly.
When dressing or bathing, allow the person to do as much as possible on their own.
Purchase loose-fitting, comfortable, easy-to-use clothing, such as clothes with elastic waistbands, fabric fasteners, or large zipper pulls instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles.
Use a sturdy shower chair to support a person who is unsteady and to prevent falls.
Be gentle and respectful. Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step while you help them bathe or get dressed.
Serve meals in a consistent, familiar place and give the person ample time to eat.
Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.

Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
Respect the person’s personal space.
Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.
Remind the person who you are if he or she does not remember. Never use the phrase. “Don’t you remember” This frustrates them more?
Encourage a two-way conversation for as long as possible.
If you are having trouble communicating with words, try distracting the person with an activity, such as a familiar book or photo album.

Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
Respect the person’s personal space.
Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.
Remind the person who you are if he or she does not remember. Never use the phrase. “Don’t you remember” This frustrates them more?
Encourage a two-way conversation for as long as possible.
If you are having trouble communicating with words, try distracting the person with an activity, such as a familiar book or photo album.