Tips for Caring for Adults with Dementia

August 16, 2022

Caring for Someone with Dementia

When you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, the simplest tasks can oftentimes feel the most challenging. People with diagnosed dementia from conditions like Alzheimer’s or brain disorders have a hard time thinking clearly, remembering things, communicating, and taking care of themselves. We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks in caring for your loved one with dementia.

Tips for Helping a Loved one with Dementia

1) Stay positive - Communicating through smiles and positive body language is a great way to interact with your loved one in a respectful manner. This shows patience and can convey messages in a way that words might not be processed.

2) Listen - This seems simple, but an adult with dementia can often repeat themselves, stop in the middle of a story, or forget their question just moments after it was said. By listening and being able to interpret what they want, you can establish an unspoken line of communication.

3) Limit distractions - If your loved one needs to get a task done, it’s best to turn off all distractions. This means taking away TV time, putting away books, phones and limiting visitors until the task is complete.

4) Be accommodating - Your loved one did not ask to develop dementia and we need to understand the battle that’s ahead. As caregivers, we can change our behavior to accommodate our loved one’s needs and make him or her more comfortable.

5) Check with a Doctor - Maintain and attend regular doctor’s appointments with your loved one so you know how to care for them with dementia and can be involved in pointing out any odd behaviors or decline in health.

6) Tell Neighbors or Additional Caregivers - Keep your loved one’s neighbors or additional caregivers in the loop with the progression of dementia. It’s not uncommon for seniors with dementia to wander or lose track of their home. If neighbors are aware, they can help should anything happen.

7) Sundowning - Late afternoons are hard for people with dementia and they often experience sundowning; which is restlessness or confusion as daylight fades. You can mitigate confusion by turning on lights around the 4pm hour for the remainder of the night and/or use nightlights across the house.

8) Good nutrition - Make meals and snacks a part of your routine at very similar hours each day. Sit down with them and eat so they can stay nourished. Medications and dental problems (a sign of dementia) can affect your loved one’s desire to eat, so it’s important to have a routine meal schedule.

9) Limit stress - Try to avoid stressful activities or too many visitors in a given week. Stress leads to agitation which leads to lashing out. For the sake of your loved one’s sanity and yours as their caregiver, it’s OK to say no to things that are too stressful.

10) REST! - The most important thing you can do as a caregiver is to rest. Hire an additional caregiver or consider home care centers for respite care. Most of the time, caregivers are family members who all need a mental break to continue to give their best level of care. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary!

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Staying Active for Mobility & Independence Makes for Graceful Aging

July 18, 2025

Why Your Personal Fitness Matters More as You Age As we age, staying active isn’t just about looking good, it’s about living well. Our bodies naturally go through changes over the decades, and the way we move, feel, and function can shift dramatically. But here’s the good news: maintaining your personal fitness can have a powerful impact on how you age, and how long you maintain your independence, energy, and quality of life. Muscle Loss Happens Earlier Than You Think Did you know that most adults begin to lose muscle mass as early as their 30s? It's a process known as sarcopenia, and it accelerates with each passing decade. By the time we hit our 60s or 70s, we could be losing as much as 3% to 5% of muscle mass each decade if we’re not actively working to maintain it. This loss can affect strength, balance, posture, and even metabolism. But strength training and regular movement, especially resistance exercises, can slow or even reverse this trend, helping your muscles stay strong and supportive. Flexibility Is the Foundation for Mobility As joints age and connective tissues stiffen, it becomes harder to do simple things like tie your shoes or reach into a high cabinet. That’s why flexibility exercises like stretching, yoga, and Pilates become increasingly important as you grow older. Keeping your muscles and joints limber helps prevent injury, reduces pain, and improves balance. This is an essential element in preventing falls, which are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. It also keeps daily movements smooth and comfortable, so you're not just getting by. Fitness Fuels Longevity and Independence Physical activity is one of the most effective tools for increasing not only the length of your life but also the quality of it. Regular fitness routines reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. They also improve brain health, lift mood, and boost energy levels. Most importantly, staying active helps you retain your independence, keeping you out of the hospital and allowing you to continue living on your own terms. Whether you're 45 or 75, it's never too late to get moving. The key is to find a fitness routine that works for your body, your goals, and your lifestyle here in South Carolina. Even a few minutes of walking, stretching, golfing, or strength work each day can make a lasting difference. Your future self will thank you for every healthy choice you make today!