Memory Care at Home: How to Support a Loved One with Early Dementia

When you catch dementia early, it’s easier to make solid plans for both the individual and their whole family. Early-onset dementia is sneaky. You don’t think much of your parents or other family members periodically forgetting names or misplacing keys. Later, you may recognize other distinct dementia markers, like being unable to repeat familiar chores or tasks, struggling to find the right words, and mood changes like depression. 

When families come to us wondering how to best support this situation, we at CareChoice strongly recommend making notes of everything you notice. They will prove helpful in evaluating your loved one. While you’re likely worried, it’s very possible that the individual can receive memory care at home, supported by a structured routine, home adaptations, and proper medical care. 

Tips: Taking the First Steps for Memory Care at Home

1. Reach Out to the Primary Provider

Begin at home base, so to speak. A person’s primary physician may begin with bloodwork to evaluate potential underlying causes of memory loss, which may include a simple vitamin deficiency. Afterward, the physician may refer the patient to a neurologist or a memory clinic. These visits are essential for determining how best to manage symptoms. 

2. Safety Plans

Whether you’re doing this alone or working with a home healthcare provider like CareChoice, a safety plan is nothing less than vital. Look at lighting, clutter, and tripping hazards such as slick rugs. Additionally, consider a stove safety device to prevent it from being left on, and arrange a driving evaluation. Effectively, you will be making your loved one’s home dementia “friendly.”

3. Stress the “Cans” Over the “Can nots”

During early-onset dementia, an individual notices that something is wrong. They become frightened and agitated by little things that used to be easy, and often have trouble communicating those feelings. Validate those emotions, and redirect with positivity. Review their daily routine to see what they can accomplish safely so they have purpose and retain their dignity. 

4. Care Planning on a Personal Level

Now is the ideal time to make notes of the affected person’s preferences from books and tv to activities and foods. Document the current medication list and all emergency contacts. Keep them in a noticeable location. If you decide to work with an in-home caregiver like CareChoice in the future, you’ll already have many of our questions answered for care planning. 

5. The Legalities

While a person is still relatively sharp, find out about their medical directives, including DNR orders and long-term living arrangements. Discuss financial wishes. Draft a Power of Attorney and review all insurance benefits. Take a moment to research if there are community programs you can access. 

6. Getting Support

There are both national and local organizations that can provide you with the practical information you need. They include the Dementia Society of America, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the National Institute on Aging. 

CareChoice: Professional Caregivers in Your Home

Caregiving can become exhausting. There may come a day when you decide to look for an aide. There are always worries involved, like working with strangers, but through CareChoice you can choose a familiar person to become the in-home support system.

For your convenience, we offer an online contact form where you can tell us a little about your situation. We will have one of our professionals get back to you quickly.