Embedded Files
Tools for Dementia Caregiving
Tools for Dementia Caregiving
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
Identify common challenges faced by dementia caregivers and the impact on caregiver stress and quality of life.
Describe practical caregiving supports.
Understand how caregiving can affect your well-being.
Learn effective communication and symptom-management strategies to reduce agitation, improve sleep, and support positive interactions.
Identify supportive resources that can enhance your caregiver experience.
Impact of Dementia
Impact of Dementia
Time consuming
Time consuming
Many caregivers neglect their own health when balancing caregiver responsibilities on top of their own and develop multiple chronic diseases; cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent.
(Baik, 2024; National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, 2018)
Stressful
Stressful
Dementia caregivers report high levels of stress and burden compared to non dementia caregivers.
(Sheehan et al., 2020)
Unprepared
Unprepared
Caregivers express a lack of knowledge about dementia and how to become equipped for unpredictable situations when caring for someone with dementia.
(Lai, 2022)
Caregiving Tools
Caregiving Tools
Not Enough Time? 🕒
Not Enough Time? 🕒
Respite
Respite
Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers from their caregiving role. (National Institute on Aging, 2023b). Respite can reduce the burden and delay institutionalization of the individual with dementia (Gao, 2023).
What does respite look like?
Can be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.
Can be at home.
Can be at a Health care facility or Adult day care.
If family is providing respite, then costs can be minimal or free.
If a professional is providing respite than costs can be hourly or by the number of days.
Most insurances don't cover respite costs.
(National Institute on Aging, 2023b)
Common Types of Respite
Common Types of Respite
Adult Day Care
Adult day cares are facilities that offer community-based engagement for their attendees.
What do Adult day cares offer?
Can provide therapeutic services
Can provide social activities
Not limited to Alzheimer's and related Dementias
Community-based setting for individuals to socialize
Annual median cost of $26,000*
Usually not covered by insurance
(Genworth Financial, Inc. & CareScout, 2025)
*Based in the state of CaliforniaHome Based Respite
Home-based respite can look very different depending on your needs as the caregiver and depending on the needs of your loved one.
Home care agency
Annual median cost of $77,000+*
Covered by some insurances, depending on specific medical needs
Trusted family or friend
Costs are minimal or free
(Genworth Financial, Inc. & CareScout, 2025; Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)
*Based in the state of CaliforniaStressed?
Stressed?
Communication is Key
Communication is Key
Caregivers report that communicating with their loved one can be frustrating, and at times, they use harsh forms of communication.
Proper communication skills can...
Minimize the feelings of depression and burden.
Improve cooperation and strengthen relationship bonds.
Proper communication is a skill that takes patience and practice.
(Petrovsky et al., 2019; Williams et al., 2023)
Active Listening
Active Listening
Active listening involves listening with your eyes and ears and can improve interactions with your loved ones.
Allow space and pauses for your loved one to respond. The brain takes time to process, and their response is slow to load.
🟢 Do...
Be present in the conversation
Think before you speak
Gentle touching
🛑 Don't...
Correct
Rush
Ignore
(Alzheimer’s San Diego, n.d.; Salamon, 2025; Tennant et al., 2025)
Be Mindful
Be Mindful
Communicating with your loved one can feel frustrating at times, but your loved one may not remember what you said, but they remember how you make them feel.
🟢 Do...
Leave the room if you sense an argument coming
Agree with their reality
Distract them to change the subject
🛑 Don't...
Confront
Argue
Talk about them as if they are not in the room
(Alzheimer’s San Diego, n.d.; Salamon, 2025)
Keep it Simple
Keep it Simple
Individuals with dementia have a hard time processing the environment around them, and following a conversation can be a difficult task. When speaking to your loved one, less is more!
🟢 Do...
Repeat instructions the exact same way
Ask yes or no questions
Remove distractions
🛑 Don't...
Use long sentences and complicated words
Remind them they are forgetful
Ask too many questions at once
(Alzheimer’s San Diego, n.d.; Salamon, 2025)
Symptom Management
Symptom Management
Agitation can be described as the feeling of restlessness or anxiousness.
Redirecting their attention, try: "Listen to music with me."
Communicate calmly and respectfully
Maintain daily routines
Create a safe and comfortable environment
Try to get as much sleep as possible
Remain consistent in your efforts
Resort to medications after trying all non-medication interventions.
(Alzheimer’s Association, n.d.-a)
Maintain daily routines
Provide activities during the day to keep them occupied.
Walking
Go out and socialize
No more than 30 min naps
Avoid caffeine
Provide hints that it's time for bed
Put on pajamas
Dim lights in the evening
Reduce screen time and stimulation
If nighttime wandering is an issue, provide adequate light to frequently visited areas such as the bathroom.
(Alzheimer’s Association, n.d.-e; Huisman et al., 2025)
Feeling Lost?
Feeling Lost?
Virtual Dementia Tour
Virtual Dementia Tour
The Virtual Dementia Tour is an in-person immersive experience designed to build awareness, understanding, and empathy for individuals who live with dementia (Second Wind Dreams, n.d.).
I have completed the Virtual dementia tour and recommend it to anyone who is interested. It was a unique experience, and as a forewarning for those who are interested, I did experience some anxiety as I was overstimulated by the auditory stimulation provided during the tour.
Finding a Virtual Dementia Tour can be difficult. It is best to search online for where they are hosting a tour in your area.
Create a Care Plan
Create a Care Plan
Caregivers often report stress and difficulty in coordinating care.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your doctor or a professional for guidance on the next step in your caregiver journey.
Creating a care plan can improve communication between you and your professional and minimize your frustration.
Creating a personalized care plan can also help you find available resources to meet your needs as a caregiver.
Consider participating in workshops to increase your knowledge of dementia care. Workshops are available virtually or can be in person.
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2024-b; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024b; Godman, 2024)
Elder Helpline
Elder Helpline
CALL 1-800-96-ELDER / 1-800-963-5337
The Elder Helpline is the starting point for finding aging, disability, and caregiver resources. Once you call, you are connected to a representative who can assist you in finding the resources that fit your needs. Keep in mind that some services may have a waitlist due to high demand. It is best to call early and see what you are eligible for!
Go to Module 3 for strategies and tools for improving caregiver QoL.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse