When it happens
Many people manage their own personal care at least through the mild stage of dementia and often well into the moderate stage. Others develop dementia concurrently with other chronic ailments and need help from the start.
Why it happens
Because dementia itself doesn't create many initial physical impairments in the mild stage, the degree to which someone needs practical help usually depends more on other health conditions at first.
What you can do
Focus on ways you can prepare for prolonged independence in self-care.
Develop routines for personal care, not only doing things at the same time each day but in the same sequence.
Avoid doing too much for the person out of pity or an attempt to be helpful; what can be managed independently should continue this way, even if some tasks go a little more slowly.
