Dementia can feel scary for families. People with dementia may forget names, feel confused, or act differently. Family care can make life safer and kinder. We show families simple ways to help.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is when the brain has trouble working like it used to. Memory gets hard. Thinking and deciding can be slow. Feelings can change. Dementia is not the person’s fault. It is a health problem.
Be Calm and Kind
Stay calm when you talk. Smile and use a soft voice. Say one idea at a time. Use short sentences. Give time for answers. If the person gets upset, breathe slowly and try again. Kindness helps them feel safe.
Keep a Simple Routine
Routines help the brain. Try to keep the same times for:
- Waking up
- Eating meals
- Bathing
- Bedtime
A simple plan makes the day easy to follow. Put a day chart on the wall. Use pictures for steps like “brush teeth” or “eat lunch.” Routines lower worry.
Make the Home Safe
Small changes make a big difference:
- Remove tripping hazards.
- Use night lights in halls.
- Put locks where needed, but keep things familiar.
- Label drawers and doors with words or pictures.
A safe home helps the person move around without fear.
Use Simple Words and Steps
Speak slowly. Use clear words. Try this:
- “Do you want water?” instead of long questions.
- Give one step at a time: “Please pick up the cup.” Wait. Then “Now drink.”
Show with your hands when needed. Gestures help when words fail.
Keep Them Involved
Let the person help with small tasks. Tasks can be:
- Folding towels
- Sorting socks
- Watering a plant
Helping gives pride and keeps skills alive. Praise the effort, not the result. Say, “Good job” or “Thank you for helping.”
Watch Feelings, Not Just Memory
Dementia can bring sadness, fear, or anger. Notice mood changes. If the person seems lonely, sit with them. Hold their hand if they like. Listen even if they repeat things. Feelings matter.
Use Memory Aids
Tools can help:
- Big calendars with dates and pictures
- Photo albums with names written beside photos
- Note boards with today’s tasks
Keep the aids simple and easy to read.
Take Care of Yourself
Family caregivers need care too. You can feel tired, sad, or frustrated. It is okay to ask for help. Rest when you can. Talk to friends or a support group. Eating well and sleeping help you be strong.
Share Tasks with Family
Ask family members to help. Make a simple plan:
- Who cooks?
- Who visits each day?
- Who picks up medicine?
Sharing keeps one person from doing all the work. It also keeps the loved one connected to many family members.
Calm Activities You Can Do Together
Try quiet, gentle activities:
- Listen to familiar songs
- Look at photo albums and name people
- Walk slowly outside
- Do a puzzle with big pieces
- Paint with fingers or brushes
These moments can bring smiles and calm.
When to Ask a Doctor
If memory or mood gets worse, it is time to ask for help. We at Daybreak Telepsych offer care for older adults. We can do:
- Geriatric psychiatry to check memory and mood
- Medication help if needed
- Second opinions if you want to be sure
We also help families. We teach simple ways to cope. We talk about safety and routines. Our team works with you and your loved one. We provide care in Washington through telehealth. That means you can meet with us from home. We want to make care easy and caring.
How Daybreak Telepsych Works With Families
We listen to the family. We learn about daily life. We check mood and memory. We make a plan that fits your home. We explain things in clear words. We help with medicine if needed. We help children and adults in the family understand too. We are here to walk with you step by step.
Gentle Tips for Hard Moments
- Name what you see: “You look upset.” This helps them feel heard.
- Offer choices: “Do you want apple or banana?” Choices keep control.
- Use music: Songs from when they were young can calm memories.
- Use touch: A hand on the shoulder can feel safe if they like it.
Small Wins Matter
Celebrate small wins. Did they eat a whole meal? Did they smile today? These things matter. Keep a small notebook of good moments. Reading it on hard days helps.
Final Thoughts
Family care is love in action. Simple routines, kind words, and safe spaces help a loved one with dementia feel calmer and cared for. You do not have to do this alone. Reach out for support when you need it. At Daybreak Telepsych, we are ready to help families in Washington with geriatric psychiatry and telehealth visits. We work with you to make a plan that fits your family. Together, we can make each day gentler and more hopeful.
FAQs
Q. How can family help?
Be calm, kind, and patient. Do small routines and give simple choices.
Q. How can I make the home safe?
Remove rugs that trip people, add night lights, and label doors or drawers with easy words or pictures.
