Caring for a Loved One with Dementia: Where Do You Start?

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Mar 20
2 min read

📌 By Laurie B | March 3, 2025

Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning. Whether you’re stepping into the role of caregiver for the first time or navigating new challenges, you might be asking yourself:

❓ Where do I start?

❓ How do I provide the best care while also taking care of myself?

❓ Where can I find reliable support and resources?

The good news is that you’re not alone. There are practical steps you can take to make this journey more manageable while ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care.

Step 1: Learn About the Diagnosis

Understanding what dementia is and how it progresses will help you feel more confident in your caregiving role. Every form of dementia—whether it’s Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, or Vascular Dementia—affects the brain differently.

🔹 Start by learning the early signs and symptoms of dementia.

🔹 Educate yourself on how memory loss, confusion, and behavior changes may evolve over time.

🔹 Ask your loved one’s doctor questions about their specific condition and what to expect.

👉 Helpful Resource: The Alzheimer’s Association provides free educational materials to help you understand different types of dementia.

Step 2: Build a Care Plan

Creating a structured plan can help reduce stress and uncertainty. Think about:

✔ Daily routines – Consistency is key to reducing anxiety and confusion.

✔ Safety at home – Are there trip hazards? Does your loved one wander?

✔ Medical care – Keep a list of medications, doctor’s appointments, and emergency contacts.

✔ Legal & financial planning – Ensure documents like power of attorney and advance directives are in place.

💡 Tip: Keep all important paperwork in one caregiver binder or journal so you can access it easily when needed.

Step 3: Find Support for Yourself

Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and burnout is real. But you don’t have to do this alone!

🌿 Join a caregiver support group (online or in-person)

🌿 Take breaks – Respite care services can help when you need time for yourself.

🌿 Stay connected with family & friends – Isolation can make caregiving feel even harder.

👥 Need Support? Organizations like the Family Caregiver Alliance offer free support groups and resources tailored to caregivers.

Step 4: Focus on Small Wins

Some days will be challenging, but small victories matter. Maybe today, your loved one smiled during a favorite song, or you handled a tough moment with patience and calm. Celebrate those moments!

💬 What’s one small win you’ve had this week? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Caring for someone with dementia is a journey, and I’m here to provide encouragement, guidance, and practical tools to help you along the way.