If you're wondering whether your loved one's behaviors fit the pattern of sundowning, use this quick guide to identify symptoms, causes and solutions.

There was one word that completely changed the way I cared for my mom. Actually, that's not quite true. Learning the word changed my caregiving in two phases. The first phase was simply learning that the word existed. The second—and much more important—phase was finally understanding what it actually meant. For a long time, I couldn't understand how my mom could forget something she'd done her entire life, like how to open the refrigerator, and then immediately insist there w

Learn why people with dementia refuse medication, including anosognosia, fear, confusion, swallowing difficulties, side effects, and suspicion. Get practical strategies for increasing medication cooperation without arguing, including taking medications together, pairing pills with daily routines, and focusing on comfort rather than compliance. Find out when it may be appropriate to hide medication in food, which foods work best (including why chocolate ice cream is often one

How we all wish our loved one felt about shower time! If there is one caregiving challenge that seems almost universal, it's bathing. Many adult children find themselves asking: "Why won't my mom shower?" or "How do I convince my dad to bathe?" A parent who once cared deeply about personal hygiene may suddenly refuse showers, become angry when bathing is suggested, or insist they already showered when they clearly haven't. These situations can be frustrating, confusing, and s

Few experiences are more frustrating for adult children than watching a parent struggle while refusing the very help they clearly need. You notice the missed medications. The unpaid bills. The expired food in the refrigerator. The repeated stories. The forgotten appointments. The increasing confusion. Yet every attempt to help is met with resistance. "I'm fine." "I don't need help." "Stop treating me like a child." "There's nothing wrong with me." For many caregivers, these c

Charlie Day from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia exhibits paranoid behavior similar to a dementia patient FX Networks One of the most hurtful and frustrating experiences many caregivers face is being accused of stealing. A loved one may insist that money is missing, jewelry has been taken, important papers have disappeared, or that someone has entered the home and removed personal belongings. These accusations can be especially painful when they are directed at the very peo

One of the most painful and confusing experiences for many caregivers is watching a loved one become angry, irritable, or even aggressive. A person who was once patient and easygoing may suddenly lash out, accuse others of wrongdoing, refuse help, or become upset over seemingly minor situations. When this happens, many caregivers begin asking: Why is my loved one with dementia so angry? The answer is often more complicated than it appears. In many cases, the anger itself is n

One of the most common and confusing experiences for dementia caregivers is hearing a loved one repeatedly say: "I want to go home." What makes this especially frustrating is that many dementia patients say they want to go home when they are already home. If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Why does my loved one with dementia keep asking to go home?" you're not alone. The good news is that when a person with dementia says they want to go home, they usually aren't talkin

Caring for someone with dementia can present many challenges, especially when it comes to eating. It can be hard to understand why a person with dementia (including Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal, Vascular, etc.) is eating less. Changes in habits and a loss of interest in favorite foods can turn mealtime from a pleasant bonding experience into a stressful challenge. This article provides easy tips to help you navigate these common issues. Understand How Dementia Affects the Brai

One of the most challenging moments in the caregiver experience is deciding when and how to stop a loved one with dementia from driving. First comes the doubt, "Maybe I'm being too hasty. Maybe they're right and they are still safe to drive". Then comes one small piece of evidence after another that slowly urge you to make the tough choice but once that choice is made, now you have to decide how to do it: Is it a conversation? Can someone else do it for me? Do I do it even if

Shawnee Canjura, The Dementia Doula One of the hardest parts of being a caregiver or loved one to a person with Alzheimer's is de-escalating situations. It's hard to keep them calm and sometimes it's even harder to keep yourself calm but that's exactly what is needed in order to prevent the argument from turning into an angry or violent outburst. Read below for some of the top techniques for preventing or de-escalating arguments with someone with Alzheimer's. Be their ally Th

5 essential dementia caregiver tips to managing angry outbursts