Caring for someone with a progressive dementia brings about many new challenges and new things to learn. The following ten steps can help caregivers provide the best possible care for those with a progressive dementia, while maintaining their own health and well-being.

1) Diagnosis

Get a diagnosis as early as possible based on a thorough medical and memory evaluation. Talk to your loved one’s primary doctor about your concerns. The primary doctor may evaluate your family member or friend, or refer him or her to a geriatric specialist or a neurologist. A good evaluation can help to rule out reversible and treatable causes of memory impairment, help your family to plan for the future and may allow earlier treatment of a progressive dementia to delay symptoms.

2) Educate yourself and others

Learn about dementia and how to manage it. This can help you know what to expect throughout the course of the disease and help you make better decisions about how to help care for your loved one.

3) Get support from others

Trying to do it all on your own is not only exhausting but can have a negative impact on your personal health. The support of family and friends can be an enormous help.

4) Plan

Make future plans with family. Hold a family meeting (including the person with the progressive dementia if he or she is still capable of participating) to identify future needs and how these needs will be met and by whom. Set up clear lines of communication with one another.

5) Legal and financial planning

Begin legal and financial planning as soon after a diagnosis as possible. This includes putting in place documents that authorize another person to make health care and financial decisions, (Durable POA) as well as developing financial plans for long-term care coverage.

6) Support your loved one

Make adjustments to support your loved one. This can include environmental safety changes, providing routine and structure to your loved one’s daily agenda, communication strategies, and involving your loved one in enjoyable activities geared towards his or her abilities

7) Utilize resources

Utilize available resources to help. Types of resources you may need to include: in-home respite and companion services, chore services, meal services, home health services, care coordination services, adult day programs.

8) Learn about facility care

Learn about facility care. You may be able to provide care for your loved one at home throughout the disease. Nevertheless, it is good to know your options for assisted living homes, nursing homes, and other facility care.

9) Self-care

Take care of yourself and manage your stress level. Be alert to your own health and well-being and get help when needed. Get adequate sleep and exercise, and maintain a healthy diet. Maintain friends, interests, and hobbies. Take one day at a time and take a break from the caregiving role as often as possible.

10) Acknowledge where you’re at

Give yourself credit, not guilt. You are human. You will occasionally lose patience and do or say things you may regret. Remind yourself that you weren’t perfect before you became a caregiver, and there is no reason to expect perfection now. We all do the best we can in our particular circumstances.

You are there for your loved one, and that’s something to be proud of!

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Related Resources

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Info Pages