Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to honor families and caregivers who show incredible strength, patience, and love while supporting someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be both deeply meaningful and emotionally overwhelming. It’s important to remember, you don’t have to face it alone.

At Griswold Home Care for Oahu, we understand how challenging this journey can be. Whether your loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or requires full-time assistance, professional caregiver support can make a world of difference — not just for your family member’s comfort, but for your peace of mind, too.

5 Tips to Support a Loved One Living with Alzheimer’s

1. Establish a Daily Routine
   Structure provides stability and comfort. Keep mealtimes, activities, and bedtime consistent to help reduce confusion and anxiety.
2. Simplify Communication
   Use short, clear sentences and a calm tone. Maintain eye contact and listen patiently. Nonverbal reassurance — a smile or gentle touch — can be more powerful than words.
3. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
   Remove tripping hazards, ensure good lighting, and label important items around the home. These small changes can help prevent accidents and foster independence.
4. Encourage Engagement and Familiar Activities
   Activities like listening to favorite music, folding towels, gardening, or looking through photo albums can bring joy and connection, even on difficult days.
5. Take Care of Yourself, Too
   Caregiving can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Give yourself permission to rest, seek respite, and ask for help when needed, it’s not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of love.

When It’s Time to Ask for Help

Recognizing that you need help doesn’t mean you’re giving up, it means you’re committed to providing the best care possible. Professional caregivers can offer support with daily tasks, medication reminders, companionship, and safety monitoring, all while giving family caregivers time to recharge.

At Griswold Home Care, we provide compassionate, personalized care designed to meet your loved one’s unique needs and preserve their dignity at every stage of Alzheimer’s.

If you or someone you know caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, reach out to Griswold Home Care for Oahu to learn how we can help. Together, we can create a care plan that offers comfort, safety, and peace of mind for everyone involved.