If you’re looking for Alzheimer’s support for your family, you’ve come to the right place. Alzheimer’s can be one of the most debilitating and difficult to care for diseases as our parents and families age, and sometimes, we need a bit of extra help.
As daily tasks become more difficult, stress can increase. Sometimes, caregiving can feel overwhelming or even impossible. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the right support systems can make the difference in safety and quality of life.
Understanding how to support members of your family with Alzheimer’s during different phases of their disease is key to their long-term wellbeing. Today, we’ll look at how to support family members with Alzheimer’s inside and out of treatment facilities, as well as help you understand when it may be time for professional help.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that affects memory, thoughts, and behavior. It is a form of dementia, a group of diseases most closely associated with aging, and the most common. It is a progressive disease, meaning it generally worsens over time.
In early stages, patients may suffer from light memory loss or forgetfulness. As the disease progresses, though, it becomes increasingly difficult for those who suffer to care for themselves, and they often become a danger to themselves and others.
While Alzheimer’s disease is often associated with memory loss, it also includes difficulties in emotional regulation, problem solving, mood, and language, resulting in a reduced ability to perform daily tasks, like eating, shopping, bathing, and more.
How To Deal With Alzheimer’s As A Family Member
How you will deal with Alzheimer’s as a family member will be determined in part by the stage of the disease. Oftentimes, early-stage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be safely dealt with at home with close supervision. Caring for a family member with dementia often involves a great deal of patience and understanding.
One of the most effective strategies in dealing with family members with Alzheimer’s is establishing daily routines and keeping a schedule. Schedules help to reduce confusion, which, in turn, reduces anxiety.
Another effective strategy may be termed, “going with the flow.” This means not arguing or forcefully correcting your loved ones when memory lapses occur. Rather, you should act in a manner that redirects unwanted behavior without confrontation.
You can also use simple language and be reassuring to your loved one. The disease is often a scary one for those who suffer from it, and providing reassurance can put your loved one at ease.
When Is It Time For Professional Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support?
Understanding when it’s time for professional support is something many families struggle with. There is a point for many families when care becomes overwhelming, but there can be a reticence to letting go.
Warning signs of the need for professional care include:
- Your loved ones becoming a danger to themselves or others
- Care has become overwhelming
- Frequent wandering from home and care
- Missed medications
- Agitation
- Exhaustion and loss of patience for caregivers
Treatment of the disease can require specialized knowledge as well. Professional support means medical needs are always met, and that safety is maintained.
Many people are fearful of losing contact with their loved ones, loss of control of their care, or giving up involvement. With appropriate memory care or skilled nursing done well, like at Haven Health, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Support from trained professionals like ours make families partners in care. Released from the burden of daily tasks and stress, families often grow even closer in managed care like ours.
How To Support A Family Member With Alzheimer’s In Memory Care
When your loved one has transitioned to skilled care, families can and should play an important role in the care of their loved ones. Staying involved is likely the best thing you can do for your loved one when under medical care.
Our programs are designed to support cognitive challenges with dignity. All of our offerings include enrichment activities, as well as medical treatment. When safe, we always encourage families to participate in these activities to the fullest extent.
We also encourage you to communicate openly and honestly with our staff about the care for your loved one. We welcome any and all insights on medication, history, preferences, and needs. This collaboration helps create a more personalized and comforting atmosphere for your loved one, which, in turn, helps with reassurance.
Support inside a facility is much like at home — patience, routine, and gentle redirection are all helpful strategies when your loved one is in memory care. Maintaining a regular visit schedule, reassuring your loved one whenever you see them, and helping to reduce confusion are all encouraged.
Haven Health Provides Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support
If you’re looking for support in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, Haven Health is your partner in Arizona. We offer skilled nursing and memory care at many sites around the state, and always welcome family involvement.
For A Tour Of One Of Our Facilities Or For Any Care Questions, Please Contact Us Today.
Sources:
Care options: When is the right time to move someone into care? (2025).
Crouch, M. (2021). Memory Care: Specialized Support for People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease? (2025).