The Do’s and Don’ts of Caring for Someone With Dementia in Henderson

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Caring for Someone With Dementia in Henderson

Caring for someone who lives with dementia is a journey that many people do not feel fully prepared for, even when they step into it with love and commitment. You may notice small changes at first, like repeated questions or moments of confusion that come and go. 

It is completely understandable to feel unsure about what helps, what harms, and what truly makes a difference in your loved one’s day.

Keep in mind that dementia affects far more than memory. It can change how a person communicates, responds emotionally, follows through with daily tasks, and interprets the world around them. 

That means caregiving often requires you to adjust your approach repeatedly, learn new strategies, and stay patient even on the days when nothing seems to work the way you hoped. Although this can be overwhelming, it can also be helpful to know that there are clear and compassionate ways to support someone living with cognitive decline.

The Do’s and Don’ts to Keep in Mind for Dementia Care

It is essential for you to understand the essential do’s and don’ts of dementia care, which can help you lower stress and create a more supportive environment at home. These principles do not promise perfection, but they do offer guidance that brings comfort, stability, and dignity to both you and your loved one. 

Do Explore Personalized Support Options

One of the most helpful steps you can take early on is to explore personalized care support, especially when you begin noticing that your loved one’s needs are becoming more complex. 

Remember, dementia changes routines, communication, and daily abilities in ways that can be difficult to anticipate. This is where trained memory care professionals can make a meaningful difference. They understand the emotional and practical challenges that come with cognitive decline, and they know how to create a calm environment that helps your loved one feel more secure.

Many families find relief in knowing that they do not have to navigate every behavioral change or safety concern alone. Professional caregivers who specialize in dementia care in Henderson, NV, bring both experience and patience. They learn your loved one’s history, preferences, and personality, and then adjust their approach to honor that right in the comfort of their homes. 

Don’t Over-Prompt or Micromanage Every Task

It can be tempting to guide someone with dementia through every little step of a task, but over-prompting can backfire. When caregivers give too many instructions or cues, it often increases frustration and agitation in the person with dementia. 

In fact, frequent agitation is not just emotionally draining but comes with real costs. A large survey of 1,349 family caregivers found that higher levels of agitation were significantly associated with greater caregiver burden, more hours spent caregiving, and lower productivity at work. 

When you micromanage every task, you risk undermining your loved one’s sense of autonomy and increasing your own stress. Instead, give gentle cues and step back when possible. Let them complete subtasks on their own, and only step in when they really need help. 

Do: Build a Predictable Daily Routine

An important way in which you can support a loved one living with dementia is to create a routine that is predictable. A set schedule for bathing, dressing, meals, and even small daily rituals can reduce confusion and make the day more manageable for both of you. 

Various caregivers also find that keeping a notebook or calendar nearby helps the person track appointments, to-do lists, and meaningful events. Having something they can look at gives them a sense of organization and participation.

There is meaningful evidence behind this as well. Research shows that consistent routines can significantly reduce anxiety and behavioral symptoms in people with dementia by creating a sense of familiarity and control. 

Try to plan enjoyable activities at the same time each day. Whether it is a short walk, music, or looking through photo albums. This is because regularity helps your loved one feel oriented, engaged, and comforted.

Don’t Correct or Argue with Your Loved One

A most common instinct in dementia care is to correct a loved one when a detail is wrong or a memory is mixed up. You want to help them stay grounded in reality. However, what often happens is the opposite. 

When you challenge or argue, the person may feel embarrassed, confused, or even defensive, because their brain can no longer process the correction in the way you intend. This creates tension instead of clarity.

A more supportive approach is to meet them where they are mentally in that moment. If they say something that is not accurate, you can gently redirect the conversation rather than pushing for the “right” answer. 

This helps preserve their sense of safety and reduces emotional distress. Remember, the goal is not to win an argument, but to maintain calm, connection, and dignity. You can make every interaction a little easier for both of you simply by choosing validation over correction.

Do Make the Home a Safer Place

Safety adjustments for people living with dementia go a long way in preventing accidents, and they also allow your loved one to move around with more independence and confidence. The good news is that you do not have to make any elaborate changes.

For example, installing at least one sturdy handrail on staircases, adding safety grip strips or brightly colored tape to mark steps, and ensuring all rooms are well-lit can reduce the risk of falls. Removing small rugs, loose cords, and other trip hazards further supports mobility. 

Safety plugs for unused outlets, latches on cabinets, and locking away potentially dangerous cleaning products or tools can prevent accidents before they happen. Even adjusting patterns on rugs or curtains can help reduce confusion. Thoughtful and small modifications like these can make daily life smoother, safer, and less stressful for both the person with dementia and the caregiver.

Creating a Supportive and Compassionate Care Environment

Caring for someone with dementia is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and thoughtful planning. You can help your loved one feel more secure and valued each day just by following the key dos, like maintaining routines, promoting safe independence, and offering meaningful activities, and avoiding common pitfalls, such as over-prompting or micromanaging. 

Remember, it helps to create moments of comfort, dignity, and joy. In addition to that, seeking support when needed, can also help you navigate the challenges with confidence. 

With awareness, consistency, and compassion, you can make a meaningful difference in the life of someone living with dementia while preserving your own well-being.