When Alzheimer’s enters your life, it changes everything. Even everyday interactions can become unfamiliar and emotionally charged. Without meaning to, caregivers often fall into patterns that increase stress—for both parties.
The good news? There are tried and true dementia caregiver tips that can help. You can create calmer, more compassionate moments by steering clear of these six common pitfalls.
1. Trying to Prove Them Wrong
If your loved one says something untrue, the instinct may be to correct them. But pushing facts often escalates anxiety.
What to do instead: Let their reality be valid. Focus on shared feelings and redirect gently when needed.
2. Fixating on Facts
Correcting them every time they mix up names or forget a date may seem helpful—but it can leave them feeling defeated.
What to do instead: Accept the imperfections. Seek emotional truths, not factual ones.
3. Overcomplicating Communication
Too much information at once can feel like mental clutter.
What to do instead: Keep it short, slow, and simple. Break tasks into single steps.
4. Letting Behavior Damage Your Relationship
Alzheimer’s may cause unpredictable outbursts or emotional withdrawal. This can be incredibly painful—but it’s not personal.
What to do instead: Show up with steady love. Their reactions aren’t about you.
5. Talking Over or Around Them
It’s easy to dominate the conversation when they struggle with speech. But doing so can make them feel invisible.
What to do instead: Talk with them. Make eye contact. Ask questions and pause for replies.
6. Pretending You Don’t Need Rest
Caregivers are often the last to ask for help—but burnout is real.
What to do instead: Make rest a priority. It’s okay to step back and let others step in.
Every day you show up, you’re doing something remarkable. You don’t have to be perfect—just present.
Let’s Make It Easier Together
Need more dementia caregiver tips, or perhaps a partner in care? Comfi-Kare Homecare offers Alzheimer’s care that meets your loved one where they are—while giving you time to breathe. Serving Potomac, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and all of Montgomery County, call 240-750-6617 today.