Dementia Care
Caring for an elder with dementia can be a challenging rollercoaster. Add in working to balance everyday life with the complexities of memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes, and it can seem impossible.
At Dr Liz Geriatrics, we understand caregivers’ struggles and offer comprehensive support through our DLG Community, expert TeleHealth and Dementia Care Consulting. Whether you’re managing agitation, navigating pain relief, or concerned about financial abuse, we’re here to provide the guidance and answers you need.
Caring for a Parent with Dementia at Home
Caring for a parent with dementia at home comes with many challenges that can affect both the caregiver and the elder. One of the primary struggles is managing behavioral changes, such as agitation, aggression, and confusion. These behaviors can be unpredictable, making it difficult to maintain a sense of calm and control. Additionally, caregivers often face emotional pain as they watch their loved one’s cognitive abilities decline, which can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, and burnout.
Maintaining a structured routine is important for well-being of both care giver and care receiver. However, we all know that it is easier said than done. Dementia often disrupts sleep patterns and may create confusion around daily tasks like eating or bathing. Ensuring safety in the home is also critical, as elders with dementia may wander or lose safety awareness. Caregivers must constantly be on alert to prevent accidents.
Finally, balancing the needs of the elder with your own life – work, family, and personal health – can feel overwhelming. Many caregivers struggle to find time for self-care, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Learn more about Fabulous Over 50.
At Dr. Liz Geriatrics, we provide support and resources to help caregivers navigate these challenges. From identifying medications that cause harm and behaviors, to discussing strategies that work for less conflict in the daily routine; we are here to help you manage the demands of caregiving and bring joy to your elder’s days.
If you’d like to get in touch with our care team, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
No matter what your situation is, we’re here to support you.
Dementia Caregiver Tips
Here are some essential tips for dementia caregivers to help you manage the day-to-day challenges of caring for an elder with dementia:
Create Routines: Structured days reduce confusion and anxiety. Keep daily activities like meals, walks, or bedtime consistent.
Communication is Key: Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and remain calm. Avoid arguing with your loved one, they only remember the emotion.
Manage Agitation: Agitation is common in dementia. Remove potential triggers, such as loud noises or clutter, and engage your loved one in calming activities like listening to music.
Ensure Pain Relief: Many elders with dementia cannot express when they are in pain. Be mindful of changes in behavior that may indicate discomfort, and consult with a geriatrician to manage pain effectively.
Guard Against Financial Abuse: Unfortunately, financial abuse of elders is a growing concern. Stay involved in their financial matters, monitor accounts, and consider consulting a legal professional to set up safeguards.
Dementia Caregiver Support
As a dementia caregiver, you are often the unsung hero, providing essential care for your loved one. However, caregivers also need care and support to avoid burnout. At Dr Liz Geriatrics, we understand the heavy burden that caregiving can place on your physical and emotional health.
That’s why we’ve created the DLG Community—an online resource where caregivers can ask questions, share experiences, and receive advice from others who understand their journey.
In addition to our community, in California we offer personalized TeleHealth appointments with Dr Liz, an expert geriatrician who can provide specific recommendations tailored to your loved one’s needs. Whether you’re looking for advice on managing medications, behavioral strategies, or the emotional toll of caregiving, our goal is to ensure you don’t have to navigate this path alone.
Dr Liz Geriatrics is lucky to have seasoned care managers, nurses and social workers to assist families in sorting through the confusing care issues, how to de-escalate aggression, improve sleep (for the elder, and the caregiver!), minimize medications, help find resources and how to find time for self care.
Of course, our book, Living in the Moment: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias is an invaluable resource for the complete dementia journey from start to finish.
We are committed to supporting dementia caregivers. With expert advice and a compassionate community, you’ll have the tools to provide the needed care for your loved one.
Whether you’re looking for caregiver tips or one-on-one support, we’re here to guide you through this journey.