Dementia Caregiving: Practical Support, Resources, and Daily Strategies

When someone you love has dementia caregiving, the ongoing support and daily management required for a person living with memory loss and cognitive decline. Also known as Alzheimer's care, it's not just about helping with meds or meals—it’s about holding space for someone whose mind is changing, often without warning. This isn’t a short-term job. It’s a marathon of small moments: forgetting names, repeating questions, wandering off, losing interest in favorite foods, or suddenly becoming angry for no reason you can see. You’re not failing if it feels overwhelming. You’re human.

What most caregivers don’t talk about is how much of this is physical, emotional, and logistical. You’re managing home care for dementia, adapting living spaces and routines to reduce confusion and prevent accidents—like removing rugs to stop falls, labeling cabinets with pictures, or setting up alarms for medication. You’re also dealing with caregiver support, the emotional and practical resources needed to avoid burnout while caring for someone with progressive cognitive decline. That means finding time to eat, sleep, or even cry without guilt. It means knowing when to ask for help—whether it’s a neighbor dropping by, a home health aide, or a support group that doesn’t judge you for feeling exhausted.

The truth? There’s no perfect plan. Some days, the person you’re caring for recognizes you. Other days, they think you’re a stranger. Some nights, they pace the house. Some mornings, they refuse to get dressed. And through it all, you’re trying to keep them safe, calm, and as comfortable as possible. You’re not just a caregiver—you’re a detective, a nurse, a translator of unspoken needs, and sometimes, the only person who still sees them as they were.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there. How to handle aggression without raising your voice. What to do when they stop eating. How to make bathing less of a battle. What medications help (and which ones don’t). How to spot when it’s time to consider professional help. You won’t find fluff here. Just straight talk from others who’ve walked this path—and what actually worked when the days got long and the nights got quiet.