How to Care for Someone With Dementia at Home

1. What Dementia Is and How It Affects Daily Life

Dementia affects thinking, memory, reasoning, and behavior. Each person’s experience is different, but common challenges include:

• Forgetting daily tasks and appointments

• Difficulty expressing thoughts

• Confusion about time or place

• Mood changes or frustration

• Repeating questions or stories

• Needing more help with meals, bathing, or medications

The World Health Organization notes that dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependence among older adults.

Supporting someone at home requires patience, structure, and clear communication.

2. How to Communicate More Easily

Communication becomes harder as dementia progresses, but small changes make a big difference.

Try:

• Using short, simple sentences

• Speaking slowly and calmly

• Making eye contact

• Asking one question at a time

• Offering clear choices (“Would you like tea or water?”)

• Avoiding arguing or correcting

If they become frustrated, pause and try again later. Kindness and patience help keep conversations peaceful.

3. How to Support Daily Routines

Dementia care is easier when the day feels predictable.

Helpful routine strategies:

• Keep waking, meals, medication, and bedtime at consistent times

• Maintain the same caregiving team as much as possible

• Place calendars, clocks, and labels around the home

• Break tasks into small, manageable steps

• Set gentle reminders for hydration, meals, and bathroom breaks

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Daily routines can be helpful for both you — the caregiver — and the person living with Alzheimer’s.

A planned day allows you to spend less time trying to figure out what to do, and more time on activities that provide meaning and enjoyment.

4. Creating a Calm and Safe Home Environment

Safety and comfort are essential for dementia care.

Consider:

• Removing clutter and tripping hazards

• Using clear lighting to reduce shadows

• Installing grab bars in bathrooms

• Keeping frequently used items visible and easy to reach

• Using contrasting colors for better visibility

• Securing doors or alarms if wandering is a concern

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that home modifications reduce fall risk and hospitalizations among people with cognitive decline.

5. Managing Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes are part of dementia and often stem from fear, discomfort, or confusion.

Common changes include:

• Restlessness

• Repeating actions

• Agitation

• Suspicion

• Wandering

• Sundowning (late-day confusion)

Help by:

• Staying calm

• Avoiding arguing or correcting

• Redirecting to another activity

• Checking for discomfort (pain, hunger, temperature)

• Using music or familiar photos for comfort

• Keeping evenings quiet and relaxing

Understanding the cause helps reduce stress for everyone.

6. Supporting Nutrition and Hydration

Eating and drinking may become more difficult — but proper nutrition supports brain and body health.

Tips include:

• Offering smaller, frequent meals

• Using finger foods for independence

• Keeping water within reach at all times

• Reducing distractions during meals

• Serving soft foods if chewing becomes difficult

• Encouraging fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats

According to the National Institute on Aging, a healthy diet can support cognitive health and reduce inflammation.

7. Encouraging Social and Cognitive Engagement

Engagement keeps the brain active and supports emotional well-being.

Try:

• Listening to music together

• Looking through old photo albums

• Simple household tasks

• Short walks

• Reading aloud

• Arts or crafts

• Puzzles or matching games

• Visits from family or friends

A study published by the National Academies found that social isolation increases the risk of dementia by approximately 50%.

Connection matters.

8. When to Consider Additional Support or Home Care

You may need extra support if your loved one:

• Is increasingly confused or disoriented

• Has difficulty completing daily tasks

• Shows behavioral changes that are hard to manage

• Is forgetting meals or medications

• Is becoming unsafe at home

• Needs more structure than family can provide

A trained dementia caregiver can help with:

• Creating routines

• Managing behaviors

• Providing companionship

• Ensuring safety

• Supporting personal care

• Relieving family stress

Having professional help often improves the health and well-being of both the senior and the family.