Resources

75% of caregivers do not outlive the person that they're caring for. Do you have an emergency action plan in place?

Five steps to take after a loved one has gotten a dementia diagnosis

Dementia is a word used to describe a cluster symptoms caused by various diseases or conditions. Dementia itself is not a specific disease but a collection of symptoms, which can include:

Some of the greatest challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia are the personality and behavior changes that often occur as the disease progresses. These can show up as aggression, frustration, undressing in public, or a range of inappropriate conduct.

Bathing can be one of the activities of daily living that is most affected by dementia. There are many steps in the process of bathing which can seem very difficult for the person with dementia. Additionally, it is likely the person doesn’t remember the reason for bathing and it seems like an unnecessary intrusion into their day. 

Mealtime for people with dementia can be stressful, overwhelming or frustrating. They may no longer recognize the food in front of them or can’t see it clearly because of poor depth perception. They may struggle to use a knife and fork as coordination becomes difficult. Food may not taste the same or as flavorful as it once did. Food may be difficult to chew or swallow or they may not want to accept assistance with eating. Appetites may also vary among individuals with dementia. Some will want to eat all the time, while others have trouble eating a healthy amount.

Getting dressed and feeling good about how we look is an important part of everyone’s self-esteem, but it is also something we typically do in private. Assisting someone who has dementia with dressing can be a challenge because it is something they are used to doing independently. Here are some general tips that may help you assist your loved one with dressing.