Dementia and Family Caregiving: How to Navigate the Challenges with Confidence
Caring for a loved with dementia one can be challenging but easier with awareness and support
Caregiving is both a labour of love and a significant challenge. Whether it’s your mother, your spouse or a good friend, as a caregiver you may need to accept a changing relationship. At the heart of caregiving is “care”—the devotion and love you feel towards a loved one—and “giving,” which requires time, patience, and understanding. Yet by the nature of this illness, a person with dementia may be unable to realize this support and may even push back against it.
As the Alzheimer Society of Canada notes, by 2030, nearly 1 million people in Canada will be living with dementia, so this challenge is growing. Already, the Alzheimer Society estimates that as of January 1, 2025, 772,000 people in Canada are living with dementia.
For those who are just starting on this journey, know you are not alone. By learning more about dementia, learning from other caregivers how to best navigate this difficult journey, and seeking support, you can ensure that you care for yourself as well as your loved one.
Here are some ways to prepare for the journey:
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a progressive biological brain disorder that affects memory, clear thinking, and communication. People with dementia may have a condition such as Alzheimer’s Disease (this is the most common cause), but more than 25 different diseases and conditions can cause dementia.
Often dementia is progressive, and people increasingly need help to take care of themselves. Your loved one’s personality and behaviour may also change, and they may develop mood swings and other emotional reactivity.
Early Stages: Memory loss becomes noticeable, and tasks like managing finances or holding conversations may become challenging.
Middle and Late Stages: As dementia advances, your loved one may exhibit significant behavioral changes and require more assistance with everyday life.
Understanding the progression of dementia will help you prepare for the changes ahead and adapt your caregiving strategies.
Working Together
As a caregiver, you’re helping your loved ones manage their life in new ways. Establishing daily routines can be important when a person is advancing in their dementia. Help them with daily tasks, but allow them to do things on their own as much as possible. For example, if dressing becomes confusing, try laying out their clothing in the order that they go on.
Offer them choices (but not too much), for example between one or two tops, to keep them feeling independent. Ask them if they would rather see a movie or go for a walk.
Break down activities into a series of steps; for example, going for a walk involves dressing for the outdoors, moving along the route, resting and then returning home. Add spontaneity on occasion by bringing a snack along the way!
In later stages, if you’re helping your person bathe or get to medical appointments, schedule these earlier in the day while your loved one is still fresh.
Communicating with Compassion
Caregiving is already stressful, and the fact that your loved one has changed can be upsetting for you as well as them. They will react to your emotional state, and people with dementia often feel confused, anxious, and unsure of themselves already. Try to reassure them with verbal and physical comfort, support, and reassurance. Add cues by introducing yourself more formally (Hi Mom, it’s me, Anna and your granddaughter Madison). Speak more slowly.
If your loved one confuses reality and recall things that never really occurred, avoid trying to correct them. Focus on their feelings (which are real). Sometimes holding hands, touching, hugging, and praise will get the person to respond when all else fails.
Since dementia can affect short-term memory, try asking your loved one about their past as it may bring up pleasant experiences. Recall a shared moment from 30 years ago such as their birth of their grandchild or a favourite vacation they took in the past. Ask general questions that allow your loved one to take the lead in sharing the memory and respond with encouragement.
Prioritizing Safety
Since dementia can impair judgement, make your loved one’s environment as safe as possible. Here are some actions that may help:
- Remove throw rugs, extension cords or clutter that can cause falls.
- Install grab bars or railings in places where they could be useful.
- Install locks for dangerous items such as medicines, alcohol, sharp objects, toxic cleaners.
- Lower the thermostat on the hot water heater to prevent burns.
- Use labels, timers and medication organizers to help with memory.
Supporting Yourself as a Caregiver
Caregiving is both a labour of love and a significant challenge. You’re not only witnessing your loved one in decline, but you’re also helping with their daily needs and that can be frustrating. Your needs are important too, so be sure to find ways to take breaks.
Build a support network, whether it’s other relatives and friends, or outside resources. Here are some organizations that can help:
Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence
Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health
Caregiving is something we do out of love, but we can only do long-term with support. Know that your loved one would want you to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. If you need support with establishing routines or assistance with daily activities, Vyta is here to help you navigate the complexities of dementia care.