Strategies for Caregivers

Coping Strategies for Effective Communication

This video provides helpful communication tools and insights to connect with a person with Alzheimer's disease.

Coping strategies for caring from a distance

Sometimes the primary caregiver will need assistance but when you live far away you need to find out the best way to stay in contact to take some of the pressure off the caregiver.

Coping strategies for getting through the day

Adapt and plan activities for people with Alzheimer's disease because it's not easy for them to decide what to do each day.

Coping strategies for changes in behavior

The caregiver has to monitor and guide behavior throughout the day. Taking control - being in charge - is a key part of the caregiver's role.

Coping strategies for guarding against confusion

Look for signs early and keep things simple. Have a daily routine and focus on feelings rather than words.

Coping Strategies for Emotional Control

Individuals with dementia have incredible emotional radar. Caregivers often learn that they have to become very patient. Caregivers can and have trained themselves to form a very controlled reaction before responding to a behavior.

Coping Strategies for Effective Communication with a loved one with Dementia

Caregivers and the person for whom they are caring have a well-established mode of communication built before the disease begins. As the disease progresses, the caregiver will find that their previous form of communication is not as effective and may cause confusion. Caregivers find that they need to become more directive and literal when speaking with their loved one.

Coping Strategies for Behavioral Management

Caregivers often have to master the skill of behavioral management. Caregivers can do this with guided behavior techniques that focus on the losses that are occurring.

Transitioning Care

Do your planning before you’re in a crisis. Begin to look at facilities long before you need the resources and get support for yourself. Work with your family and facility on developing a plan.

Family Conflicts Are Normal

No family deals with Alzheimer’s disease without some degree of conflict. That is normal. We tend to see people’s health rather than the deficits that they have. It’s it very easy for someone that is not there 24/7 to not see the full picture. Family meetings with experts can bring families together to talk about the challenges, decisions that need to be made, and develop a consensus to the situation.

Day Programs- Build your caregiving team

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is something that requires a team of people and day programs are a resource that can become a part of your caregiving team. Day programs are designed to provide activities and socialization for individuals who have memory problems. These programs are much more structured and supportive than your typical senior center.

Financing Respite

Families often wonder about how they are going to pay for respite services. Even though most costs will be out-of-pocket, there are resources available to help caregivers pay for these services.

Caring for the Caregiver

It is really important to take care of the caregiver. One way to do that is to look for services that give caregivers support for themselves as well as resources that can aid in caring for their loved one.

Respite Care

Many caregivers have a lot of questions about accessing respite care. Respite care is designed to give the caregiver a break and give the person who has memory problems some activities to do.