Wandering can be a frightening concern for families caring for someone living with dementia. A loved one may become confused about where they are, believe they need to go somewhere, or simply feel the need to walk. A few thoughtful changes around the home can help reduce the risk of someone leaving unnoticed while still keeping the environment comfortable and familiar. Here are five door and home safety ideas caregivers can consider. High or low secondary locks — placing a

When Someone With Dementia Refuses Water Staying hydrated is important, but getting someone living with dementia to drink enough fluids can sometimes be challenging. They may forget to drink, not recognize that they are thirsty, have difficulty expressing what they need, or simply refuse the drink being offered. Not getting enough fluids can lead to dehydration, which may cause problems such as a dry mouth, constipation, tiredness, dizziness, UTIs, and increased confusion. Th

Offering nutritious finger foods can make eating easier and more comfortable. Mealtimes can sometimes become challenging when someone is living with dementia. Using a fork or spoon may become difficult, or sitting down for a full meal may feel overwhelming. For some people, offering nutritious finger foods can make eating easier and more comfortable. Small, easy to hold foods allow a person to eat at their own pace while still getting important nutrients throughout the day. N

Feeling Overwhelmed? Try A 5-Minute Caregiver Reset. When Caregiving Feels Overwhelming: Try This 5-Minute Reset Caregiving can be overwhelming. There are medications to remember, meals to prepare, appointments to keep, behaviours you may not understand, and countless little things that need your attention throughout the day. Sometimes, you can feel yourself becoming anxious before you even realize it. Your shoulders tighten. Your thoughts start racing. You feel like there is

Caring for someone with dementia can fill your entire day with things that need to be done. Caring for someone with dementia can fill your entire day with things that need to be done. Medication. Meals. Appointments. Personal care. Reassurance. Redirection. Watching for changes. And sometimes simply being there when the person you love is having a difficult day. It can be easy to put yourself last. But you are part of the care too. Give Yourself Permission to Pause Taking a

Sometimes what looks like a behavior problem may actually be a person trying to communicate that something is wrong. Constipation can cause pain, pressure, discomfort, and distress, especially for someone who may struggle to explain what they are feeling. Signs caregivers may notice Increased agitation or irritability Restlessness or pacing Changes in appitite Trouble sleeping Grimacing or signs of discomfort More confusion than usual Increased resistance to care Straining or

Mealtimes don't have to be stressful. These three simple tips can help make eating easier and more enjoyable for someone with living with dementia. Read more on my caregiver corner. Mealtimes can become challenging for people living with dementia. Changes in memory, vision, and coordination can make eating more difficult and sometimes frustrating. The good news is that a few simple changes can make meals feel calmer, safer, and more enjoyable for both the person with dementia

As the day comes to an end, some people living with dementia become more anxious or restless. This is often called sundowning. While every person is different, a calm environment can make a real difference. One of the simplest things you can do is turn on lights before it starts to get to dark. A well lit room helps reduce shadows that can be confusing or frightening. Other ways to create a calmer evening include: Turn on lights before sunset to reduce shadows. Keep noise

Why It Happens In Dementia, and How to Respond Calmly Repeating questions or asking to “go home” often happens because the person with dementia can’t remember the answer they were just given. Instead of answering the same question over and over, visual reminders can sometimes help. Why repetition happens - The brain can no longer store new information well, so the person asks the same question repeatedly. Respond with reassurance - Answer calmly each time rather than arguing

Many dementia behaviors don’t happen “out of nowhere.” Often, the person is trying to tell us something but can no longer find the words. Looking for the reason behind the behavior can often prevet a crisis before it begins. Looking for the reason behind the behavior can often prevent a crisis before it begins. 1.Check if they need the washroom. A person with dementia may not be able to tell you they need to use the toilet. Instead, they may become restless, agitated, or upse

As the day comes to an end and the lights begin to fade, some people living with dementia may feel confused, anxious, or afraid. What seems like a normal evening to us can feel very different for someone whose brain is changing. Darkness, shadows, and unfamilar surroundings can sometimes increase fear and uncertainty. As caregivers, understanding what they may be experiencing helps us respond with patience, comfort, and reassurance. One simple change in the evening environmen

When your loved one begins to lose the ability to walk, it can come as a surprise. As a caregiver, it’s important to understand that the problem often doesn’t start in the legs, it starts in the brain. Dementia can affect the areas of the brain that control balance, coordination, judgement, and movement, making walking more difficult over time. Common Reasons Walking Changes: Poor balance - Dementia can affect the brain’s ability to maintain balance. Vision and depth percepti

If you’re reading this today, chances are you love someone living with dementia. First I want you to know something important: You are not alone Caring for someone with dementia can be one of the most loving, rewarding, heartbreaking, and exhausting journeys a person will ever experience. Some days bring smiles, laughter, and precious moments of connection. Other days may leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply tired. I’ve worked as a Health Care Aide and I have s