Caring for someone with memory loss at home: five things that help
Practical routines from families and staff who do this every day, for the hours your loved one is at home.
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Memory loss changes the rhythm of a household. These are the small things our staff and participants’ families say make the biggest difference.
Keep the day predictable
Wake up, breakfast, pickup, program, home, dinner and bed at roughly the same times. Predictability lowers anxiety more than any explanation does. Our program day, 8:30 to 2:00, is built to anchor the rest of the day.
Reduce choices, do not remove them
“Would you like the blue sweater or the gray one?” works. “What do you want to wear?” can be overwhelming. Two options preserve dignity without causing distress.
Answer the feeling, not the fact
When a parent asks for a spouse who passed away, correcting them causes pain each time. “You miss him. Tell me about him,” is kinder and usually calms the moment.
Make the evening quiet
Late afternoon and evening are the hardest hours for many people with dementia. Lower the lights, turn off the news, play familiar music. A participant who has spent an active day with us usually sleeps better, which helps you sleep too.
Take care of the caregiver
Respite is not a luxury. A caregiver who is rested makes better decisions and has more patience. That is the main reason Adult Day Health Care exists.
If you are caring for someone with memory loss in Sun Valley, Sunland or Tujunga and would like to talk it through, call (818) 570-7771. Our social worker can also connect you with local support groups.