CAREGIVING

6 Tips for Caring for Someone with Dementia - Tip 6

By Temma Ehrenfeld @temmaehrenfeld
 | 
September 26, 2017
18 Mar 2015 --- Portrait of senior woman wearing eyeglasses at home --- Image by © Steve Prezant/Corbis

Expect change.

People with dementia may live as long as 26 years with the condition, with growing and changing needs. Their caregivers must adapt. Get input as the challenges come up (in a pinch, try the Alzheimer’s Association hotline, 800-272-3900 if you can’t get a doctor who knows the patient). For example, your loved one might develop a swallowing problem and find it hard to eat her usual foods. A gentle person may become angry. At a certain point, bowel and bladder control go away. Develop a plan for the day you can’t be the primary caregiver.

 

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Updated:  

April 07, 2020

Reviewed By:  

Janet O’Dell, RN