September, 2024 Navigating the Dementia Journey Together
Monday, December 1, 2025
Healthy Mind, Healthy Life
Navigating the Alzheimer’s Dementia Journey Together
Navigate: “Sail or travel over terrain, especially carefully or with difficulty.“ (Credit: Oxford Dictionary / Photo credit : Danielle Marie)
Did You Know?
- 1 out of 3 people older than 65, and 1 out of 2 over 80 live with dementia
- By 2030, 78 million people will live with dementia in the USA
- 40% of the variables causing dementia can be prevented
- 66% of caregivers say they do not have enough resources
- 40% of caregivers report depression
Supporting Your Loved Ones and Neighbors Living With Dementia
Key areas of focus for the caregiver:
How to Elevate Quality of Life
- Meet Physical needs of the person living with dementia
- Nutrition, hydration, sleep, personal hygiene, and medical needs: Create a schedule and utilize resources.
- Remember that your approach and attitude make for rich and meaningful daily moments for both the person with dementia and the caregiver.
- Provide Respect and Validation
- Acknowledge your person’s past contributions and importance. Use affirming statements like “you’ve always been so kind to others and that makes a difference in this world” or “what would I do without all the wisdom you’ve given me over the years?” Statements like these accentuate the attributes of their historical relevance.
- Create a Safe Environment
- Ensure your person feels secure and loved. Create an environment that’s calm and provide verbal reassurance. Use therapeutic touch to anchor your person in the here and now.
- Establish the Person’s Sense of Control
- Offer choices and listen to preferences; show that you care to meet their personal desires and needs.
- Engage Joyfully
- Take the time to enjoy one another’s presence – going for a walk, enjoying coffee, or simply having a laugh over the little things. These moments enrich both your lives.
Support the Primary Caregiver
As a non-primary caregiver your support can make a significant difference.
Here are some tips:
- Offer respite: Provide breaks for the primary caregiver to help prevent burnout.
- Bring a meal: A simple meal delivery can be a huge relief.
- Plan an outing: Take the person on an outing or simply stop by for a visit.
- Assist with reminders: Help with reminders or rides to appointments.
- Offer specific support: Since the caregiver may feel overwhelmed they often don’t know how to ask for help. Statements such as: “I can bring a meal for dinner one evening – when would suit you best” or “I am going to the store what can I pick up for you” or “I can come mow your lawn this Saturday would that be convenient” These statements allow the caregiver to have a specific idea of how you may be able to help. For the Caregiver: Make a list of things that someone may be able to help with. When they offer assistance, choose something from your list or have them choose something from your list.