Understanding what’s causing troubling behaviors reduces conflict Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change a person’s behavior, abilities, and sense of well-being. Understanding what’s causing challenging or confusing behaviors helps you respond without causing arguments. Minimizing conflict will make life easier and less stressful for both you and your older adult. The Center for Dementia Care at Seniors At Home,…
Alzheimer’s and dementia can cause aggressive or combative behavior. Your older adult isn’t doing this on purpose, but you still need to handle these scary and frustrating episodes. Caring.com shares tips on how to prevent aggression, how to respond in the heat of the moment, and what to do as a final resort. Physical aggression – hitting, biting, scratching, spitting, and…
Someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can’t carry on a conversation the same way they used to because of the changes in their brain. Without realizing, we might put them under pressure if we communicate in ways that don’t work well for them. To avoid causing frustration or anger, Caring.com shares 3 pitfalls to steer clear of when talking to someone with dementia.…
Make life easier with key Alzheimer’s caregiver tips Caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a scary challenge. It’s even more overwhelming because you’ve been thrown into this role with no training. We’ve put together 6 key Alzheimer’s caregiver tips and resources that give a solid foundation. These essentials help both new and experienced caregivers feel calmer and…
Be able to make an informed decision about feeding tubes Most people in the late stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia have trouble eating and drinking. They may lose weight, become weak, or develop pressure sores. Or, food particles could get into their lungs and cause pneumonia. When that happens, families may be asked if they want to put in a feeding tube.…
Knowing more about dementia makes caregiving easier Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change your older adult’s behavior and affect family and friends. To provide great care and reduce your own stress, the first step is to find out more about the disease. Getting a better understanding of the basics takes away some of the uncertainty and anxiety. We worked…
When a parent has Alzheimer’s, siblings often face tough decisions, emotional stress, and conflicting opinions, straining even the closest relationships. Disagreements over caregiving responsibilities, finances, and medical choices can create tension and resentment. But with open communication, clear boundaries, and teamwork, families can navigate these challenges together. In this article, we share practical strategies to help siblings work as a united front,…
Screening tests aren’t enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s or dementia Alzheimer’s and dementia screening tests like the Mini Mental Status Exam or the MoCA don’t always detect signs of cognitive problems, especially if someone is in the early stages. Screening tests also aren’t comprehensive enough to make a proper diagnosis. If dementia-like symptoms and a screening test both indicate that someone has cognitive issues,…
Many seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia are also dealing with depression. It can be tough to know if your older adult’s symptoms are a sign that they have both conditions. Caring.com interviews experts to find out about signs that someone with dementia also has depression, how to diagnose depression in someone with dementia, and both non-drug and prescription treatment options. As…
Helpful resources make dementia care easier Caring for someone with dementia doesn’t come naturally and isn’t easy. There are unfamiliar behaviors to manage, big decisions to make, and lots of emotions to work through. That’s why it’s essential to learn tried-and-true care techniques, find resources to help prepare, and identify sources of support. This helps both you and your older adult. We…
