MyChart
When your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, your relationship with them is altered overnight. You aren’t just their partner, child or friend—you also become their caregiver, advocate and translator. You are also, most likely, your own learn-as-you-go instructor.
It’s overwhelming, to say the least. But you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re wandering without a compass. Begin educating yourself about resources that will help you care for your aging loved one while keeping your own well-being in mind.
Here are a few places you can start:
1. Educate yourself on their diagnosis
Dementia is not one disease; it’s a collective term for symptoms of memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, but several other conditions can cause dementia. Each form is different, and your loved one’s symptoms may progress at a unique pace. Knowing more about what your loved one is facing can help you anticipate what comes next and react with kindness (rather than frustration) during tough moments.
2. Keep your communication simple
Use short, simple sentences and make one request at a time. Make eye contact and state your loved one’s name as you speak in a calm, normal tone of voice. If they don’t recognize you right away, don’t take it personally. Validate how they’re feeling instead of trying to prove they’re wrong.
3. Establish a daily routine
Having a set daily routine can be very comforting to someone with dementia. Try to keep mealtimes, activities and bedtimes around the same hour every day. Include your loved one in the plan for the day whenever possible.
4. Encourage what they can do
It’s easy to focus on what your loved one loses to dementia. Instead, try to notice when they’re enjoying something—whether that’s folding laundry, listening to their favorite music or sitting outside in the sun—and center your time together around those abilities.
5. Make safety modifications around the house
Whether you’re in your loved one’s home or yours together, simple changes like using night lights, clearing wide walkways, adding a visible calendar, and placing labels on doors or drawers can help prevent confusion and falls.
6. Look out for yourself
Caregiver burnout is a very real problem. Ask other family members for help, and see if any friends nearby can pitch in to take time for yourself when you need it. Many support groups, including Welia Health’s Caregiver Support Group, can also offer assistance and connect you with other caregivers who understand what you’re going through.
“Caring for someone with dementia can bring a lot of change and uncertainty, and there isn’t one right or perfect way to navigate it. Dementia asks families to adapt again and again. One thing I’ve learned from working alongside caregivers is how important it is to extend the same patience and compassion to yourself that you give so freely to the person you love. Your presence, your love, and your willingness to keep showing up the best you can are enough. You are enough.”
Rachel Adams, BSW, LSW
Clinic Social Worker, Welia Health
Resources close to home
You’re not alone in this fight. Here are a few trustworthy local and regional resources for coaching, respite and support:
- Welia Health Caregiver Support Group: Looking for support from people who understand? Join our group that meets at the Mora campus on the third Wednesday of every month. Check out the Caregiver Support Group schedule or call 320.679.1313 for more information.
- Family Pathways Aging Services: Family Pathways has local coaching, support groups and respite care options for caregivers throughout East Central Minnesota. Call 320.364.3526 for more information.
- Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly Senior LinkAge Line): Find free, unbiased care counseling available to all Minnesota residents. To learn more, visit the Minnesota Board on Aging or call 1.800.333.2433 with questions.
Next steps
If you notice your loved one’s memory or thinking skills declining, their primary care provider is a great place to start. Scheduling their Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a good opportunity to bring up any concerns.
Call Welia Health at 320.679.1313 or log in to MyChart to make an appointment for your loved one.
