How to help your family with Dementia

• Posted on September 11, 2026September 11, 2026
• by admin
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• 3:10 pm

How to help your family with Dementia

As we work with a few dementia clients, we have discovered that family members often times feel overwhelmed and struggle to understand how to help their family members.  As we have worked with a few over the years, we have collected some helpful information on ways you can help.  

1. Do not feel guilty.  This is by no means your fault.  You are doing all you can and you are doing your best with the resources you have.  Please know no one can ask more than that of you. 

2.  Try to treat your loved one as you always have, they will forget your name or be unsure who you are, however in our experience if you act as you always have your loved one will feel comfortable that you know who they are and you are able to see to their needs.

3.  Be aware that your loved one will become depressed and anxious as the disease progresses.  This is normal and not your fault either.  The best way to deal with this, in our experience is to keep your loved one as entertained as possible.  We have structured community inclusion calls which allow clients to be taken out to events, or places of interest.  We favour places such as museums, churches, zoos, interactive farm yards etc. however, even a short shopping trip, or a trip to the nail salon can be enough.  

4.  In our experience, generally people who struggle with dementia tend to suffer terrible sugar addiction, this sugar binging leads to decline in cognition and creates confusion.  We would advise family members to watch their loved ones sugar intake.  Try to allow for only 1 or 2 sugary treats a day and do not leave sugary foods where they can be easily spotted or accessed. 

5.  Do not think you are alone, there are many many people in your situation, feeling just as you feel now.  Join a support group if you feel that will help and talk to people.  Do not feel that you cannot communicate with your care team at Kerry cares.  We are here for not just the special loved ones we visit, but we strive to offer support for the family too.  You are welcome to call us and we will listen.  We are here for all of you as we know how hard this can be.

And finally be kind to yourself and take care of yourself, you can only look after others if you look after yourself. 

For more information visit: Alzheimer’s society  or call the Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456  for support and guidance.