Providing Care for Someone with Dementia

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What to Expect

• Behavioral Tips

As Alzheimer's and other dementias progress, behaviors change. Learn More

You are not alone

• Support groups provide emotional and practical support to family members and friends whose loved one has Alzheimer's. Several organizations provide local caregiver support groups.
• The Alzheimer's Association hosts support groups for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's, as well as for caregivers.
• The national Alzheimer's Association offers a telephone support group from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time the first Monday of every month. Call 1-800-272-3900 for information.
• Visit the Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Center
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides local services for veterans with Alzheimer's and their families.
• Learn about Washington's Family Caregiver Support Program
• Learn about Alzheimer's Disease in People with Down Syndrome from The National Institute on Aging
• Communication Tips

When people have Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, their ability to communicate gradually declines. Communicating requires patience, understanding and good listening skills.

• Learn more about changes in communication
• Learn more about communication in the early stage
• Learn more about communication in the middle stage
• Learn more about communication in the late stage
• Download the Brochure
• Caregiver Stress:

Caregivers of persons with dementia and Alzheimer's frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. Read on to learn symptoms and ways to avoid burnout.

• 10 Symptoms of Caregiver Stress
• Tips to Manage Stress
• Learn More

How do I Help?

• In-Home Activities

People with Alzheimer's or another dementia can still do the activities they love. Many activities can be modified to the person's ability. Activities can reduce behaviors like wandering or agitation and enhance quality of life. Below are several links with more information on types of activities and how to tailor to them.

• Enhancing Daily Life
• Activities at home: Planning the Day for a Person with Middle or Late-Stage Dementia
• Activities for All Stages
• Activities for People with Alzheimer's Disease
• The Montessori Method and Dementia
• Classes
• The National Alzheimer's Association offers many classes online
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers Program
• The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline provides information and support.
• What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. Its purpose is to protect and promote the Resident Rights guaranteed these residents under Federal and State law and regulations. Learn more...

Care Options

• In-home Care

In-home care includes a wide range of services to help a person with Alzheimer's or another dementia stay at home. It also can help caregivers.

In-home Care Resources:

• In Home Health Care
• Home-Care Services
• Search for Local Resources
• Adult Day Services

Adult day centers and Adult Day Health offer social and safe activities for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

• Learn more about Adult Day Services
• Residential Care Settings

Does the person with Alzheimer's or another dementia prefer a communal-living environment? Or does the person need more care than he or she can get at home? If so, a residential care setting may be the best option. Different types provide different levels of care.

• Learn more about Residential Care