At MAS Home Care, many of our patients have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. An estimated 5.4 million people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. One staggering statistic MAS Home Care came across was that nearly HALF of people aged 85 and older have Alzheimer’s.

Another statistic we came across was that nearly 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. 80% of that care is given by a family member. MAS Home Care provides in-home care to the elderly and chronically ill, with expertise in Alzheimer’s care and dementia care.  However, we wanted to write this blog for the people who either can’t afford home care—or who are simply not ready to take the next step and hire an in-home caregiver for their loved one. We’ve put together a basic care plan for dementia patient caregiving, for you to reference.

1. Research. Read everything you can find about Alzheimer’s and nursing care plans for dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association has a wonderful website (alz.org) with lots of information. Sign up for the Alzheimer’s Reading Room (alzheimersreadingroom.com) to get relevant and helpful batched articles emailed to you every week.

2. Be prepared. Set a daily schedule. Caregiving will run smoothly with a set day-to-day routine – not to mention it is extremely beneficial to the patient and gives them a sense of familiarity. Wake them up at the same time, have meals at the same times, bathe them at the same time.

3. Plan activities for your dementia patient. Include your loved one in tasks and activities you think they can handle (safely). Not sure what to do? Here is a list of 101 Activities, from the Alzheimer’s Association.

4. Know the signs of caregiver burnout. Take a look at our related post on avoiding caregiver burnout.

5. Your loved one’s Alzheimer’s may progress, and may progress rapidly. Know your options. MAS Home Care can be a wonderful resource to people who are looking for Alzheimer’s or dementia care in Maine, New Hampshire dementia care, or Rhode Island dementia care. When you’re ready for help, we’ll be here!