It can be unsettling watching someone you love change because of Alzheimer’s. As memory fades and confusion grows, everyday moments often become difficult for them and for you.
Yet for many families, home is still the best place to offer comfort and care. With the right strategies, it’s possible to create a safe, supportive environment that meets your loved one’s needs.
For families in Cleveland and across Northeast Ohio, knowing what to expect and where to turn for help can make all the difference. This guide explores all you should know about providing Alzheimer’s care at home.
In the middle stage, memory loss and confusion become more noticeable. Daily tasks like dressing or cooking may require hands-on support. Mood swings and changes in behaviour can also happen.
The late stage brings severe memory loss. Your loved one may not recognize family or speak clearly. They’ll likely need full-time care, including help with eating, bathing, and mobility.
In Ohio, more than 236,000 people over 65 have Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing what to expect helps you plan and provide better care at home.
Additionally, you should label drawers, rooms, or items with pictures or words to make things easier to find. Keep commonly used items in the same spot each day to avoid confusion. If your loved one tends to wander, consider door alarms or child-proof locks.
Choose calm, familiar colors and avoid loud patterns on furniture or walls. A quiet, consistent space can reduce stress and help your loved one feel more at ease.
Similarly, you should use clocks, pictures, or gentle reminders to guide your loved one through each step. Stick to quiet activities in the late afternoon or evening to avoid restlessness. Avoid last-minute changes, loud noise, or too many visitors at once.
Try to include small tasks your loved one can still do, like folding laundry or watering plants. These routines build a sense of purpose and keep the day structured. When the day flows in a predictable way, your loved one may feel more relaxed and so will you.
Instead of arguing when they say something incorrect, try redirecting the conversation. For example, if they believe they need to go to work, gently shift their focus to a calming activity.
Also, watch for signs of frustration or fear. These often show up as aggression, pacing, or resistance. When this happens, take a deep breath, stay calm, and offer reassurance.
Over time, your patience will make a big difference. Clear, gentle communication not only reduces stress, it also builds trust and comfort in your daily interactions.
At the same time, mental stimulation matters. Try puzzles, music, photo albums, or simple games for people with alzheimer's. These activities can spark memories and bring moments of joy.
Of course, not every day will be perfect. But even small efforts make a big impact. Tasks like folding towels or setting the table can help your loved one feel useful.
By including both physical activity and gentle brain exercises in your daily routine, you’ll help maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.
Over time, stress can build up. You may feel overwhelmed, tired, or even isolated. To avoid burnout, schedule breaks, ask family or friends for help, and accept support when offered.
In addition, consider joining a local or online caregiver support group. Talking to others who understand your situation can bring relief and encouragement.
When you care for yourself, you’ll be better able to care for your loved one day after day.
In-home caregivers can assist with bathing, medication, and daily routines. This will allow you to focus on being family, not just a caregiver.
Services like skilled nursing, companion care, or respite care are available right here in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
If you’re in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio, BrightStar Care is here to help. From skilled nursing to companion care, we offer flexible, in-home services tailored to your family’s needs.
Contact us online or call (440) 613-1500 to schedule a free in-home assessment and learn how we can support your Alzheimer’s care journey.
Yet for many families, home is still the best place to offer comfort and care. With the right strategies, it’s possible to create a safe, supportive environment that meets your loved one’s needs.
For families in Cleveland and across Northeast Ohio, knowing what to expect and where to turn for help can make all the difference. This guide explores all you should know about providing Alzheimer’s care at home.
Effective Ways to Care for an Alzheimer’s Patient at Home
1. Know the Disease and What to Expect
Alzheimer’s disease changes over time. It starts slowly and gets worse in stages. In the early stage, your loved one may forget recent events or struggle to find the right words. They might still live independently but need reminders and help with planning.In the middle stage, memory loss and confusion become more noticeable. Daily tasks like dressing or cooking may require hands-on support. Mood swings and changes in behaviour can also happen.
The late stage brings severe memory loss. Your loved one may not recognize family or speak clearly. They’ll likely need full-time care, including help with eating, bathing, and mobility.
In Ohio, more than 236,000 people over 65 have Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing what to expect helps you plan and provide better care at home.
2. Create a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment
A safe home helps reduce accidents and confusion. Start by removing trip hazards like loose rugs, cords, or clutter. Install grab bars in the bathroom and use non-slip mats in the shower. Good lighting is also important. Add nightlights to hallways and bedrooms to help with nighttime wandering.Additionally, you should label drawers, rooms, or items with pictures or words to make things easier to find. Keep commonly used items in the same spot each day to avoid confusion. If your loved one tends to wander, consider door alarms or child-proof locks.
Choose calm, familiar colors and avoid loud patterns on furniture or walls. A quiet, consistent space can reduce stress and help your loved one feel more at ease.
3. Build a Daily Routine to Reduce Anxiety
A simple, steady routine can help someone with Alzheimer’s feel more secure. Waking up, eating meals, or getting dressed at the same time each day can reduce confusion and make the day feel calmer.Similarly, you should use clocks, pictures, or gentle reminders to guide your loved one through each step. Stick to quiet activities in the late afternoon or evening to avoid restlessness. Avoid last-minute changes, loud noise, or too many visitors at once.
Try to include small tasks your loved one can still do, like folding laundry or watering plants. These routines build a sense of purpose and keep the day structured. When the day flows in a predictable way, your loved one may feel more relaxed and so will you.
4. Help with Communication and Behavior Changes
As Alzheimer’s progresses, it becomes harder for your loved one to express themselves or understand others. That’s why it’s important to speak slowly, use simple words, and give one instruction at a time.Instead of arguing when they say something incorrect, try redirecting the conversation. For example, if they believe they need to go to work, gently shift their focus to a calming activity.
Also, watch for signs of frustration or fear. These often show up as aggression, pacing, or resistance. When this happens, take a deep breath, stay calm, and offer reassurance.
Over time, your patience will make a big difference. Clear, gentle communication not only reduces stress, it also builds trust and comfort in your daily interactions.
5. Support Physical and Mental Well-Being
Don’t just focus on safety when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. You should also help them stay active and engaged. Regular movement, even light stretching or short walks, can boost mood and improve sleep.At the same time, mental stimulation matters. Try puzzles, music, photo albums, or simple games for people with alzheimer's. These activities can spark memories and bring moments of joy.
Of course, not every day will be perfect. But even small efforts make a big impact. Tasks like folding towels or setting the table can help your loved one feel useful.
By including both physical activity and gentle brain exercises in your daily routine, you’ll help maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.
6. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is demanding, both physically and emotionally. That’s why looking after your own health is essential.Over time, stress can build up. You may feel overwhelmed, tired, or even isolated. To avoid burnout, schedule breaks, ask family or friends for help, and accept support when offered.
In addition, consider joining a local or online caregiver support group. Talking to others who understand your situation can bring relief and encouragement.
When you care for yourself, you’ll be better able to care for your loved one day after day.
When Professional Support Becomes Essential
At some point, your loved one’s needs may become too much to manage alone. When safety becomes a concern or you feel constantly exhausted, it’s time to consider extra help.In-home caregivers can assist with bathing, medication, and daily routines. This will allow you to focus on being family, not just a caregiver.
Services like skilled nursing, companion care, or respite care are available right here in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s at home is not easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right approach and right support, you can create a safe, comforting environment that helps them live with dignity.If you’re in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio, BrightStar Care is here to help. From skilled nursing to companion care, we offer flexible, in-home services tailored to your family’s needs.
Contact us online or call (440) 613-1500 to schedule a free in-home assessment and learn how we can support your Alzheimer’s care journey.