Navigating Alzheimer’s as a family caregiver


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Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s is a journey filled with both beautiful moments and difficult challenges—moments that test your patience, pull at your heart, and require more strength than you ever imagined. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or have been walking it for some time, know that you are not alone. 

This article offers support and practical tools to help you care for your family member, friend, or neighbor while also caring for yourself. 

Your presence matters more than you may ever know.

You are more than a helper—you are a lifeline

Caregiving often starts small and grows over time. It may begin with gentle reminders, transportation to appointments, and help organizing medications. Later, when there’s increased memory loss, your loved one may require full-time supervision and possibly be moved to a long-term care facility. Your presence, love, and patience matter deeply, even when it feels unappreciated.

Embracing change with compassion

Adapting to the different stages of Alzheimer's, for those diagnosed and their caregivers, involves accepting new daily routines, managing emotions, and adjusting communication styles. You may be able to assist your loved one in finding new ways to engage with their community where they can find support amid memory loss.

You can expect these changes during the different stages of Alzheimer’s:

Early stage (mild)

  • Memory lapses, such as losing or misplacing everyday items.
  • Trouble with planning or organizing.
  • Forgetting recently learned information, having trouble finding the right words, and struggling with problem-solving or complex tasks.

Middle stage (moderate)

  • Increased memory loss, confusion, and behavior changes.
  • Personality and behavioral changes, such as suspiciousness.
  • Tendency to wander and become lost.
  • Difficulty expressing thoughts and performing daily tasks.

Late stage (severe)

  • Significant personality changes may take place.
  • Difficulty communicating.
  • Changes in their ability to walk, sit, or swallow.
  • Vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia.

As Alzheimer's progresses, your loved one will need different levels of support through each stage of the disease. In the early stage, they may still live independently, as symptoms are usually mild. Enabling them to maintain as much independence as possible, even with limitations, can boost their self-esteem and sense of value. This is also a good time to focus on legal, financial, and medical planning for the future. 

The middle stage is often the longest and brings increased challenges—your loved one will likely need help with daily tasks and consistent support. Developing a flexible care plan based on the changing needs of your loved one is essential. This may involve adjusting daily routines, communication strategies, and caregiving tasks. You can help preserve their dignity and self-esteem by celebrating their strengths and abilities, even as the disease progresses.  

In the late stage, around-the-clock care becomes necessary. Gentle music, soothing touch, and a calm environment can offer comfort. Many home caregivers consider hospice care during this time to help ensure peace and dignity in their loved one’s final days.

Take care of yourself, too

To care for your loved one, you need to prioritize your own emotional and physical well-being. Look for support from others, join a caregiver support group, or talk with a therapist. Even in the face of profound changes, Alzheimer’s caregivers can find ways to create new meaning in their lives and continue to build relationships with the person they care for. 

Consider these additional tips:

  • Focus on your rest, nutrition, and mental health.
  • Ask for help from family members and friends.
  • Consider adult day programs to take breaks and avoid caregiver burnout.

Daily life tips for Alzheimer's caregivers

Improve communication

  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • Use short sentences and simple words.
  • Be patient—give time for responses.
  • Avoid arguing or correcting harshly; redirect instead.

Adjust to behavior challenges

  • Agitation, wandering, or suspicion may occur.
  • Stay calm, validate feelings, and redirect as needed.
  • Keep a routine to reduce anxiety.

Address home safety

  • Lock up hazardous items.
  • Use labels and signs to help with navigation.
  • Consider a medical ID bracelet and GPS tracker for wandering risks.

Emotional connections still matter

  • People with Alzheimer’s may forget names or faces, but they still feel love, joy, and comfort.
  • Use music, photos, familiar scents, and touch to create a connection.
  • Celebrate special moments together.

Plan ahead

Work with your loved one early on to establish future desired plans, including:

Explore future care options, such as assisted living and memory care facilities

Virginia is home to more than 300 memory care communities—most are considered assisted living facilities and are overseen by the Virginia Department of Social Services. These communities are thoughtfully designed to support people living with memory loss, offering compassionate care, structured activities, and a safe, comforting environment. If your loved one has more complex medical needs, a nursing home might be more appropriate, as they provide round-the-clock medical care for both chronic and acute conditions.

Financial assistance is available

Virginia offers financial assistance through Medicaid waivers like the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) to help eligible seniors afford assisted living and memory care. Veterans may also qualify for financial assistance for memory care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, depending on eligibility requirements for VA health care and pension programs.

Check out these additional helpful resources

Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) – Education and support.
AssistedLiving.org – Insights and real solutions for seniors and caregivers.
Caregiver Guide – Practical advice, local resources, and healthcare support. 
Memory cafés – Free and supportive space for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers to socialize and participate in activities.

Worth a look

Social wellness is an important way to take care of your health
Family caregiver resources
sentaramedicare.com/Caregiver

To learn about Medicare enrollment for a loved one, call a Sentara Medicare Licensed Plan Advisor at 1-877-550-3285 (TTY: 711) or visit sentaramedicare.com

April 1-September 30 | Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

October 1-March 31 | 7 days a week | 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

This article is meant to provide general information and support. For medical advice or a diagnosis, please talk to a healthcare professional.

 

Sources

alz.org, assistedliving.org, va.gov, vdh.virginia.gov

 

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