8 Tips for Supporting a Loved One with Dementia

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Supporting a loved one with dementia can be very challenging, both mentally and physically. It can be overwhelming to watch someone you love slowly lose their identity and sense of who they once were. The experience can stir up a wide range of emotions—grief, confusion, frustration, and even guilt. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and know that you're not alone. Dementia affects thousands of families across Canada, and while each journey is unique, many of the challenges are shared.

That being said, there are also a lot of wonderful moments of sharing, love, and kindness. A familiar smile, a shared laugh, or even a quiet moment of connection can offer deep comfort and meaning. These small moments often become the memories we hold onto the most.

Still, the day-to-day realities of caregiving can be demanding, especially as the condition progresses. That’s why I’ve put together eight tips for supporting a loved one with dementia—practical suggestions for navigating the harder days, while helping you create space for those meaningful, gentle moments along the way.

Here are a few tips that might help you to navigate the journey.

8 Tips for Supporting a Loved One with Dementia

1. Accept the Condition

It is very painful news to hear that a loved one has dementia, and it can be very easy to fall into a state of denial. By accepting the circumstances, you can move forward with seeking support sooner rather than later. Having said this, if you feel your loved one has been misdiagnosed, reaching out to a healthcare provider to discuss or seeking a second opinion is not a bad idea.

2. Educate Yourself

Educating yourself can help you to feel more confident with what’s ahead. Taking some time to learn about the condition, what to expect, and which care strategies may be useful can help.

3. Establish a Care Team

In-home personal care will become necessary early on in the journey. Also, involving emotional and social support for your loved one may increase their quality of life. Speaking to your local care coordination program can help to get the ball rolling. Often, hairstylists, nail care providers, and others will provide home services, which may be less stressful—particularly as your loved one progresses in their condition.

4. Advocate

Advocating for your loved one may be necessary throughout the journey. If you feel your loved one needs a medication change, should be hospitalized, or requires more care hours, don’t hesitate to speak up. You will need to be their voice when your loved one is no longer able to do so independently.

5. Seek Support for Yourself

This condition can be very isolating, so be sure to get out of the house to socialize and be with friends and family. Joining a support group can be very beneficial and can also be a learning opportunity. If you are feeling physically or emotionally unwell, speak to your healthcare provider. Caregiver fatigue and/or burnout can arise without much warning.

Also read: 4 Essential Tips for Embracing Change

6. Respite

If you feel you need some respite, reach out for additional support to provide a break for yourself. Involving a neighbour or friend who may be able to sit with your loved one for a couple of hours while you get your hair done or have a rest can really pay off in the long run. Certain agencies actually have respite workers at a low cost, which may be helpful. Some long-term care facilities offer weeklong in-home stays for a loved one at a cost. This may be beneficial if you wish to have a break or go away for a few days. It can also be a nice trial to see if your loved one enjoys being in this environment.

7. Grow with the Changes

As your loved one progresses with the condition, your approach to caregiving will also need to change and grow. For example, when your loved one can no longer hold a spoon, it may be time to introduce finger foods. Having a laid-back and relaxed approach to conversations can also be very helpful. As your loved one progresses in the condition, you may find that they are repeating themselves more and more. Listening without correcting or reminding can be a respectful approach to communication.

8. Know Thyself

It’s very important to know your limits and recognize when you have reached them. There is no shame in making arrangements for a long-term care facility. You have to be true to yourself and your health. Starting the long-term care journey long before it’s needed can help to decrease the stress later on.