How Do You Care for Alzheimer’s Patients at Home?

You care for Alzheimer’s patients at home by taking a holistic approach to the person’s physical and mental health and well-being. Keep a predictable routine, and work closely with the individual’s health care team to successfully provide home care for a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease.

You can keep a family member who has Alzheimer’s safe at home by understanding how the disease affects their ability to detect and avoid hazards. Your loved one may struggle with changes to their senses and physical abilities, such as balance and judgment, as well as their sense of time and place.

Identify and remove or restrict common household hazards that pose a risk to a family member with these safety concerns. Examples include household chemicals, such as cleaning supplies, kitchen appliances, power tools, prescription drugs and weapons. Secure doors and windows, and keep emergency numbers close at hand.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a free helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers receive confidential help in more than 200 languages from a dementia expert who offers connection to local resources, crisis support and other information.

A person who has Alzheimer’s disease needs nursing home care or memory care if their safety and well-being become compromised at home due to challenges with their activities of daily living, aggressive behavior or wandering.

Most people who have dementia live at home through the entire illness. Many never require nursing home care or memory care.