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Getting Started
Caring for a loved one with memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia often involves navigating complex challenges in daily life. The following paragraphs provide additional information and resources that will help you manage the day-to-day interactions with your loved one.
We use the term caregiver in our materials. If you’re unsure if this term applies to you, check here.
Daily Care and Activities
Daily care and activities involve supporting individuals with memory problems in essential tasks like bathing, eating, and toileting. The goal is to ensure comfort, safety, and understanding throughout these activities.
Here are some tips to help you support your loved one through these daily activities.
Managing Emotions
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias may cause emotional challenges—like anxiety or sadness—affecting mental well-being. Additionally, some behaviors, such as aggression or resistance, need tailored strategies for effective management and care.
Here, you can find tips to address the emotional challenges that your loved one could present.
Communication and Socialization
Communication and socialization care involves strategies aiding individuals with memory problems in maintaining connections, interactions, and navigating social situations.
Here are some tips for effective communication to foster meaningful engagement in public and social settings.
Safety
Safety involves managing challenges like driving cessation, preventing wandering, ensuring home safety, and proper medication management for individuals with memory problems such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Here are some tips to help you prioritize their well-being and accident prevention.
Planning for the future
Planning for the future is essential in providing care for your loved one. Ensuring you plan for the necessary legal, financial, and end-of-life situations will help honor your loved one’s wishes and help you and your family feel secure and prepared for the future.
The following resources from the Alzheimer’s Association will explore these areas and provide you with tools to take the necessary steps.
Video Resources
The following resources from UCLA Health and Alzheimer’s Los Angeles provide insights into overcoming daily challenges when caring for a loved one.
Lost Memories! Follow the Ramirez family’s life as Grandma Gloria develops Alzheimer’s disease. Learn from this mini-telenovela inspired by stories from caregivers and families of Alzheimer’s patients.
Hands-on caregiver training
Sometimes, learning with hands-on training is more accessible than any other means. Having a coach who provides tailored feedback and guided instructions can help you to flourish in areas that might otherwise be difficult.
Here are some resources for caregivers that offer training throughout the year in multiple regions in the US. Some classes are also available virtually. Please see the specific program for more information.
The 6-week courses from Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) offer essential skills for caregivers. Classes are held weekly, virtual and in person, and are available in multiple languages. You will learn skills to become a better caregiver by reducing stress, improving trust, and improving overall health.
- Virtual and in-person
- Multiple languages
- Six sessions meeting once weekly
The SAVVY Caregiver Program (SCP) empowers caregivers to understand dementia better, develop self-care strategies, and provide practical support to family members with dementia. Various classes are available in a 6-week, 3-week express, or advanced format. Currently only available in English.
- Virtual and in-person
- English only
- Multiple formats
Next: Caring for oneself while caring for others
Caregivers need support and care, too. It's easy to miss the need for self-care and support when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. Here are some resources to help you gain skills as a caregiver and learn ways you can practice self-care.