How to Live With a Person With Dementia

Dementia affects roughly 24 million people worldwide today, according to Dr. Lorne S. Label, founder and director of the Brain Longevity Center in Thousand Oaks, California. But the number could expand to 84 million with age-related dementia by the year 2040, Dr. Label says. The most well-known cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Many people with Alzheimer's live in nursing homes, but there are a number of strategies for living at home with a loved one who has dementia.

Instructions

• 1

  Give support to them and to yourself. People affected with dementia need help with everyday tasks, such as paying bills, taking medication, feeding pets, and daily hygiene. Caregivers also need support. Find out about respite centers in your area so you can have some much-needed time off. Join a support group. Find resources in your area at the Family Care Navigator (see Resources for direct link). Stay connected.

• 2

  Stay safe. Ensuring that loved ones live in a safe environment, even from themselves, is imperative. Sharp objects like carving knives, or even items such as irons, should be monitored or even kept locked up. Install railings near the bathtub and toilet. Put a baby monitor in their room if you need to be in another part of the house.

• 3

  Be consistent. Confusion and disorientation are very common among people with dementia, so it is important to establish a consistent schedule and stick with it. Even small changes can be distressing to someone suffering from dementia.

• 4

  Stimulate the brain. People with dementia are a lot like children in the sense that social interaction with babies, children or animals often brings about a positive response, according to the Better Health Channel (see Resources). Allow your loved one to perform as many tasks as he is willing to try. Let him butter his own bread. Ask her to help you match socks when you fold laundry. Sing songs together. Let them feed the dog (while you watch in the background). Do anything that might stimulate the brain.

• 5

  emember how much you love each other. Dementia can cause erratic behavior sometimes, but it can be easier on everyone if you can keep