Deciding to transition your loved one with dementia to a memory care facility can be one of the most difficult and emotionally charged decisions you will make as a caregiver. Whether it’s due to safety concerns, the need for more specialized care, or the progression of dementia, the process of moving to a memory care facility can be challenging. However, with proper planning, patience, and compassion, this transition can be made smoother, ensuring that your loved one feels as comfortable, supported, and respected as possible.

In this article, we will explore practical steps you can take to help your loved one transition into a memory care facility, what to expect, and how to support them through this change.

1. Understanding Memory Care Facilities

Memory care facilities are specialized environments designed to provide care for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related conditions. These facilities provide a higher level of support than standard assisted living, with trained staff experienced in managing the unique needs of individuals with dementia. The services offered at a memory care facility typically include:

• 24-hour supervision: Ensuring that your loved one is safe and supported at all times.
• Personalized care plans: Tailored care based on the individual’s stage of dementia and personal preferences.
• Structured routines: A predictable daily schedule, which is crucial for individuals with dementia who thrive on consistency.
• Specialized activities: Cognitive exercises and activities designed to stimulate the brain and encourage engagement.
• Safe and secure environments: Memory care facilities are often designed with security features to prevent wandering and ensure your loved one’s safety.

2. Prepare for the Emotional Aspects of the Transition

The emotional impact of moving your loved one into a memory care facility can be profound. For both the caregiver and the person with dementia, this transition can evoke feelings of sadness, guilt, or even relief. These emotions are normal but can be challenging to navigate.

a. Managing Your Own Feelings

As a caregiver, it’s common to experience feelings of guilt, sadness, or even relief when transitioning your loved one to a memory care facility. Remember that this decision is made with their well-being in mind, as these facilities provide round-the-clock care that you may not be able to provide at home.

Tips for managing caregiver emotions:

• Allow yourself to grieve: It’s okay to feel a sense of loss as your loved one moves to a new environment. Permit yourself to feel sad, and seek support when needed.
• Talk to others: Discuss your feelings with friends, family members, or a support group. Sharing your emotions with others who understand can help ease the burden.
• Take care of yourself: As a caregiver, you’ve likely been under stress for a long time. Take time for self-care during this transition, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

b. Preparing Your Loved One Emotionally

Your loved one with dementia may not fully understand why they are moving to a new place, and this can lead to feelings of confusion, fear, or resistance. It’s important to approach the situation with empathy, patience, and a calm demeanor.

Tips for preparing your loved one:

• Use simple language: Explain the move in terms they can understand. Avoid overwhelming them with too many details, and reassure them that the move is to a safe and caring environment.
• Maintain familiarity: Bring personal items from home, such as photos, favorite blankets, or familiar clothing, to help make the new environment feel more like home.
• Address fears: If your loved one expresses concerns about leaving home or about the new facility, acknowledge their feelings and offer reassurance. It’s important to validate their emotions, even if they are unable to fully express why they’re upset.

3. Involving Your Loved One in the Process

Whenever possible, try to involve your loved one in the decision-making and transition process. This can help them feel a sense of control, even though they may not fully understand the situation.

Ways to involve your loved one:

• Tour the facility together: If possible, take your loved one on a tour of the memory care facility before the move. Show them the common areas, their room, and the activities they can expect. This helps reduce fear of the unknown.
• Create a sense of ownership: Allow your loved one to choose some of the items they want to bring with them, such as a favorite pillow or personal decorations for their room.
• Give them time to adjust: The transition may take time. Be patient and give your loved one time to adjust to their new environment. Expect some resistance, but try to remain calm and positive throughout the process.

4. Choosing the Right Memory Care Facility

Selecting the right memory care facility is one of the most important steps in ensuring your loved one’s comfort and well-being. Not all memory care facilities are the same, so it’s important to consider various factors before making a decision.

What to look for in a memory care facility:

• Qualified staff: Ensure the staff is well-trained in dementia care and familiar with the specific needs of dementia patients.
• Security and safety: Look for a facility that is secure and safe, with measures in place to prevent wandering and falls.
• Activities and engagement: Choose a facility that offers engaging activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and provide opportunities for social interaction.
• Location: Consider the location of the facility. It should be convenient for you to visit regularly and for your loved one to maintain connections with family and friends.
• Cleanliness and comfort: Visit the facility to assess its cleanliness, comfort, and overall atmosphere. It should be a place where your loved one feels comfortable and respected.

5. Making the Move as Smooth as Possible

The day of the move can be stressful for both you and your loved one, but there are ways to make it go more smoothly.

Tips for the day of the move:

• Keep it calm: Try to keep the mood calm and positive. If possible, involve the staff from the facility to help ease the transition.
• Provide emotional reassurance: Offer reassurance to your loved one, telling them that they are safe and that you will visit regularly.
• Create a familiar environment: Bring familiar items, like photos, favorite bedding, and personal objects, to help make their new room feel like home.
• Allow time for adjustment: Your loved one may be upset or confused at first. Allow time for them to adjust, and encourage the facility staff to help with the transition.

6. Staying Connected After the Move

Maintaining regular contact with your loved one after they move to a memory care facility is essential for both their emotional well-being and your peace of mind. Regular visits, phone calls, and other forms of communication can help them feel connected and reassured.

Tips for staying connected:

• Visit regularly: Try to visit as often as possible, but also understand that your loved one may need time to adjust to their new routine. Keep visits positive and interactive.
• Use technology: If you cannot visit in person, consider using video calls or phone calls to stay in touch.
• Encourage socialization: Encourage your loved one to participate in social activities and interact with other residents to help reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation.

7. When to Seek Professional Support

If your loved one continues to experience significant distress or emotional difficulty with the transition, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or social worker. They can help assess your loved one’s emotional state and provide strategies to ease the transition.

Conclusion

Transitioning a loved one with dementia to a memory care facility is a significant and often difficult step. However, with thoughtful preparation, emotional support, and patience, the move can be a positive experience for both you and your loved one. By involving your loved one in the process, choosing the right facility, and maintaining a supportive and compassionate attitude, you can help ensure that they adjust to their new environment and continue to live with dignity, comfort, and care.

As a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, it can be difficult to watch their cognitive abilities decline and see them struggle with tasks that were once second nature. It’s important to remember that fostering your loved one’s independence, even in small ways, can significantly improve their self-esteem, mood, and overall quality of life. Supporting independence is not about leaving them to fend for themselves, but rather encouraging them to do as much as they can, within their abilities, to maintain a sense of autonomy.

In this article, we will discuss why supporting your loved one’s independence matters and provide practical tips for promoting their autonomy throughout the stages of dementia.

1. Why Supporting Independence Matters

Promoting independence is essential for maintaining your loved one’s dignity and quality of life. As dementia progresses, it can lead to feelings of helplessness, depression, and a loss of identity. When a person with dementia feels they have control over certain aspects of their life, it can improve their emotional well-being and help them maintain a sense of self-worth.

Benefits of supporting independence include:

• Enhanced self-esteem: Doing tasks on their own, even with assistance, can boost confidence and allow your loved one to feel capable.
• Improved mood and motivation: Engaging in meaningful activities helps improve mood and provides a sense of purpose.
• Delayed progression of cognitive decline: Encouraging independent activities can keep the mind engaged, which may help slow cognitive decline.
• Preservation of autonomy: Promoting independence helps your loved one feel more in control of their life, which can reduce feelings of frustration or agitation.

2. Recognizing What Your Loved One Can Still Do

As dementia progresses, the ability to perform certain tasks will change. However, this doesn’t mean that your loved one is unable to engage in meaningful activities or have control over certain aspects of their life. The key is to assess what they can still do, taking into account their strengths, interests, and abilities, and offering opportunities to participate in those tasks.

How to recognize abilities:

• Observe and assess: Pay attention to which activities your loved one can still do and which ones cause frustration. For example, they may still be able to dress themselves, but they may need help with fastening buttons or choosing clothes.
• Involve them in decision-making: Whenever possible, let your loved one make choices. This can be as simple as choosing between two outfits or deciding which activity to engage in.
• Focus on strengths: Every person has different strengths, even as dementia progresses. Some may still enjoy cooking, while others may prefer gardening, crafts, or reading. Encouraging them to engage in these activities can help maintain their independence.

3. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps

Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps allows your loved one to maintain a sense of independence while still receiving the support they need. Instead of taking over the task entirely, guide them through the process with simple instructions, allowing them to retain control as much as possible.

How to break tasks into steps:

• Use simple, clear instructions: Break down tasks into individual steps that are easy to follow. For example, when helping them dress, you might say, “Let’s put on your shirt first,” and then “Now, let’s put on your pants.”
• Give them time: Allow your loved one to complete the task at their own pace. If they are having difficulty, gently guide them through the steps without taking over completely.
• Encourage participation: Offer assistance with tasks, but encourage them to do as much as possible, such as folding laundry or setting the table. Even small contributions can promote independence.

4. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

To promote independence, it’s important to ensure that the environment is safe and supportive. Making modifications to the home can allow your loved one to move more freely, engage in activities, and feel more confident in their abilities.

How to create a supportive environment:

• Simplify the layout: Keep pathways clear of obstacles, ensure there is adequate lighting, and reduce clutter in the home. This helps minimize the risk of falls and makes it easier for your loved one to navigate.
• Organize items logically: Arrange their personal items (clothes, toiletries, etc.) in a way that makes sense to them. Label drawers or shelves to help them find things independently.
• Install safety features: Add grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats in the shower, and consider adaptive furniture to support mobility and safety.
• Provide assistive devices: If needed, assistive devices like magnifying glasses, walking aids, or adaptive utensils can help your loved one maintain their independence in daily tasks.

5. Encourage Meaningful Activities

Engaging your loved one in activities that they enjoy and are able to do will not only boost their confidence but will also provide them with a sense of purpose. These activities can range from hobbies they enjoyed before dementia to new activities that stimulate their mind and body.

Meaningful activities to encourage:

• Creative expression: Activities like painting, drawing, or crafting provide a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression and can be adjusted to their level of ability.
• Music therapy: Encourage your loved one to listen to their favorite music, sing, or even play simple instruments. Music can stimulate memory, lift mood, and provide an enjoyable and social outlet.
• Physical activity: Gentle exercise, such as walking, stretching, or chair yoga, can help improve mobility and independence while enhancing mood and well-being.
• Gardening or nature activities: Many individuals with dementia enjoy simple tasks like planting, watering, or arranging flowers. These activities provide physical and mental stimulation while promoting a sense of accomplishment.

6. Promote Social Interaction

Social engagement is an important part of maintaining independence and emotional health. Encouraging your loved one to participate in social activities with family, friends, or community groups can provide them with opportunities for meaningful interaction and connection.

Ways to encourage social interaction:

• Facilitate family and friend visits: Regular visits from loved ones provide emotional support and reinforce your loved one’s sense of identity.
• Join support groups: Look for dementia support groups or other community activities that offer opportunities for socialization and cognitive engagement.
• Use technology: Video calls, phone calls, or even social media can help your loved one stay connected with others, especially if they are unable to attend in-person social events.

7. Respect Their Autonomy

One of the most important aspects of supporting your loved one’s independence is respecting their dignity and autonomy. As dementia progresses, it can be tempting to take over tasks that they once managed on their own, but it’s important to give them the space to make decisions, even in small ways.

How to respect their autonomy:

• Allow choices: Let your loved one choose clothing, meals, or activities, even if it means they may make a choice that you wouldn’t typically make.
• Provide privacy: Allow your loved one to perform personal tasks, such as grooming or dressing, as independently as possible, while offering help when needed.
• Encourage self-care: Promote self-care habits by offering guidance, but allow them to maintain control over their hygiene and daily routines as much as possible.

8. Be Patient and Flexible

Supporting your loved one’s independence requires patience and flexibility. There will be times when they are unable to complete a task, and that’s okay. Instead of focusing on the difficulty, celebrate their efforts and encourage them to try again another time.

Tips for maintaining patience:

• Stay calm and positive: Approach every task with a calm and positive attitude, offering praise for any effort made.
• Be prepared to adjust: If an activity becomes too challenging, it’s okay to adapt it to better suit their current abilities. The goal is to keep them engaged and feeling competent, not to force completion of a task.
• Accept imperfections: Understand that your loved one’s ability to maintain independence may fluctuate. Allow for mistakes and continue offering support without judgment.

Supporting your loved one’s independence is a vital aspect of dementia care. By recognizing their abilities, simplifying tasks, fostering a safe environment, encouraging meaningful activities, and respecting their autonomy, you can help them maintain a sense of control and dignity.

Dementia can affect an individual’s ability to recognize clothing, coordinate their movements, or remember how to perform the steps of getting dressed. As a caregiver for someone with dementia, one of the everyday challenges you may face is assisting your loved one with getting dressed. This can lead to frustration for both the patient and the caregiver. However, with a thoughtful approach, dressing can become easier, more manageable, and a more positive experience.

This article offers practical dressing tips for dementia caregivers to make the process more efficient, reduce stress, and maintain your loved one’s dignity.

1. Create a Calm and Routine-Oriented Environment

A calm and predictable environment is key when assisting with dressing. People with dementia often benefit from routines, so making the dressing process part of a regular routine can reduce anxiety and confusion.

Tips for creating a routine:

• Dress at the same time each day: Try to establish a consistent time for getting dressed each day, whether it’s in the morning or after a nap. A predictable routine helps your loved one understand what to expect and provides structure.
• Reduce distractions: Keep the environment quiet and free of distractions during the dressing process. Avoid loud noises, television, or other sources of stimulation that might overwhelm your loved one.
• Set the mood: Approach dressing calmly and with a positive attitude. A relaxed environment can help reduce any anxiety or frustration your loved one may experience.

2. Simplify the Clothing Choices

As dementia progresses, individuals may struggle to make decisions, especially when faced with too many choices. Simplifying clothing options can make dressing easier and less overwhelming.

Simplification tips:

• Use a limited wardrobe: Choose a smaller selection of clothing, ideally with colors and styles that are easy to recognize. Stick to clothing that is simple to put on and take off.
• Choose comfortable clothes: Opt for clothing that is easy to wear and fits comfortably, such as loose-fitting pants with elastic waistbands, soft shirts, and comfortable shoes. Avoid tight clothing or complicated fasteners like zippers and buttons.
• Organize clothes by type: Keep clothes organized in a way that makes it easy for your loved one to pick out their own clothes if they are still capable. For example, group shirts, pants, and accessories separately in drawers or hang them in the closet.
• Color coding: Consider using colors that are easy to distinguish. For example, brightly colored shirts and pants can be easier for someone with dementia to identify.

3. Choose Clothing with Easy Fasteners

One of the challenges of dressing a dementia patient is the difficulty they may have with buttons, zippers, and other fasteners. Choosing clothing with easy fasteners or even alternatives can make the process smoother.

Fastening alternatives:

• Elastic waistbands: Pants with elastic waistbands or pull-on pants eliminate the need for buttons or zippers, making it easier for your loved one to dress or undress.
• Velcro closures: Velcro fastenings are easier to manage than buttons or zippers. Look for shirts, jackets, or shoes with Velcro instead of traditional fasteners.
• Slip-on shoes: Opt for slip-on shoes or shoes with Velcro straps to make it easier for your loved one to put on and take off their footwear without the need for complicated laces.

4. Offer Support and Encourage Independence

While it’s important to provide help when needed, encouraging your loved one to participate in the dressing process as much as possible helps preserve their dignity and a sense of independence.

Support and encouragement tips:

• Give simple instructions: When assisting with dressing, break the process down into simple steps. For example, “Let’s put your shirt on first,” and then guide them gently through the process.
• Offer choices: If your loved one is still able to make decisions, offer limited choices that they can control. For example, “Would you like to wear the blue shirt or the green one today?” This helps them maintain a sense of autonomy while reducing decision fatigue.
• Encourage them to do what they can: Allow your loved one to do as much as possible on their own, such as pulling on socks or putting on their own shoes, even if it takes longer. This helps build confidence and promotes a sense of self-worth.
• Be patient: Allow extra time for the process. People with dementia may need more time to understand and complete tasks. Patience is key in preventing frustration and making the experience more positive.

5. Use Clothing to Promote Comfort and Safety

Comfort and safety are essential when dressing someone with dementia. Be mindful of how clothing choices can affect your loved one’s mobility and comfort throughout the day.

Comfort and safety tips:

• Footwear: Choose shoes that are both comfortable and safe. Avoid high heels or slippery soles, and opt for supportive shoes with a non-slip grip. If your loved one has difficulty with balance, look for shoes with Velcro straps to prevent falls.
• Layer clothing: Layering allows for adjustments to temperature changes throughout the day. A lightweight jacket or sweater can help if the temperature fluctuates.
• Avoid clothing with strings or loose parts: Clothing with drawstrings or excessive fabric can become a tripping hazard. Choose simple, well-fitting clothing to avoid this risk.
• Consider adaptive clothing: Some companies specialize in clothing designed specifically for people with dementia. These clothes often have easy fastenings, adaptive designs, and built-in safety features, making them easier to put on and take off.

6. Manage Incontinence with Appropriate Clothing

Incontinence is common in individuals with dementia, and it’s important to choose clothing that makes it easier to manage this aspect of care. Quick access to incontinence products and easy-to-change clothing will help make your loved one more comfortable and reduce the frequency of accidents.

Incontinence-friendly clothing tips:

• Use absorbent undergarments: Ensure your loved one wears incontinence products that are comfortable and easy to change. Depending on the severity of incontinence, you may want to use disposable or reusable pads or adult diapers.
• Clothing with easy access: Choose clothing that allows for quick changes, such as pants with elastic waistbands or skirts that are easy to remove. Clothing that can be easily lifted up or pulled down can make the process less stressful.
• Layered clothing: Layering clothing with incontinence pads or protective underwear can add an extra layer of protection. Quick, easy access to the undergarments helps speed up changes when needed.

7. Ensure Personal Preferences Are Considered

Even though your loved one may need assistance with dressing, it’s important to respect their personal preferences. A sense of familiarity and comfort with their clothes can help reduce agitation or discomfort during the dressing process.

Personal preferences tips:

• Consider their style and favorite colors: Whenever possible, incorporate their preferences for color, style, or patterns into their clothing choices. If they had a favorite type of clothing before, see if you can replicate that look or style.
• Familiar textures and fabrics: If your loved one has specific fabric preferences (e.g., soft cotton, wool, or fleece), choose clothing made from these materials to promote comfort.
• Use familiar accessories: If your loved one used to wear a particular piece of jewelry, hat, or scarf, allow them to wear it to enhance their sense of identity and normalcy.

Dressing can be one of the most challenging tasks for caregivers of dementia patients, but with the right strategies, you can make the process easier, safer, and more dignified for your loved one. By simplifying clothing choices, offering support, and considering your loved one’s preferences, you can foster a positive and respectful dressing routine. Remember that patience and compassion are key, as dementia patients may need extra time, assistance, and reassurance.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. As a caregiver, understanding the different stages of dementia can help you provide the best possible care for your loved one. Dementia progresses gradually, and each stage presents unique challenges that require tailored care strategies. This article will break down the stages of dementia, explain the changes that occur, and offer guidance for caregivers to navigate these stages effectively.

1. Early Stage of Dementia (Mild Dementia)

The early stage of dementia is often subtle, and the symptoms may be difficult to recognize at first. In this stage, your loved one may still be independent but may start showing memory problems and difficulty with daily tasks.

Common signs in the early stage:

• Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments.
• Difficulty with familiar tasks: Struggling to plan or complete everyday tasks, like cooking or managing finances.
• Language problems: Difficulty finding the right words or repeating themselves in conversation.
• Disorientation: Becoming confused about the time, date, or location.
• Mood changes: Increased anxiety, irritability, or depression due to frustration with memory loss.

Caregiver Tips for the Early Stage:

• Offer reassurance: Help your loved one feel less anxious by providing reminders and reassurance, especially during moments of confusion.
• Encourage independence: Support them in maintaining their daily routines and help where needed. Encourage them to complete tasks on their own when possible, as maintaining independence is important for their self-esteem.
• Simplify the environment: Reducing clutter and organizing daily items can help minimize confusion and make navigating their environment easier for your loved one.

2. Middle Stage of Dementia (Moderate Dementia)

In the middle stage, dementia symptoms become more pronounced and interfere more significantly with daily life. Your loved one will require more support and supervision as they experience a decline in memory and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Common signs in the middle stage:

• Increased memory loss: Difficulty remembering important personal information, such as their address or phone number.
• Poor judgment: Making decisions that may seem out of character, such as neglecting personal hygiene or dressing inappropriately for the weather.
• Increased confusion: Getting lost in familiar places or forgetting how to perform routine tasks like cooking or using a phone.
• Worsening language issues: Struggling with finding words or understanding complex conversations.
• Behavioral changes: Becoming withdrawn, agitated, or showing signs of paranoia or aggression.
• Physical symptoms: Difficulty with balance, coordination, and walking.

Caregiver Tips for the Middle Stage:

• Provide more supervision: Your loved one will need increased supervision to ensure they are safe. This may include assisting with tasks like cooking, bathing, and dressing.
• Use reminders: Set up simple reminders, such as labels on items or written instructions, to help them navigate daily tasks.
• Create a structured routine: A consistent routine can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Keep mealtimes, activities, and bedtime consistent.
• Engage in meaningful activities: Encourage activities they enjoy and can still manage, such as listening to music, looking through photo albums, or simple arts and crafts.

3. Late Stage of Dementia (Severe Dementia)

A severe decline in cognitive and physical abilities characterizes the late stage of dementia. Individuals in this stage often lose the ability to communicate verbally and may require full-time care and assistance with all aspects of daily life.

Common signs in the late stage:

• Severe memory loss: The individual may forget family members, even those they have been close to for years.
• Inability to communicate: Limited or no ability to communicate verbally. They may still be able to express emotions through facial expressions or body language.
• Loss of mobility: Difficulty walking, standing, or maintaining balance. In some cases, individuals may become bedridden.
• Incontinence: Loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Difficulty swallowing: Problems with eating and drinking, increasing the risk of malnutrition and dehydration.
• Lack of recognition: Failing to recognize familiar people, places, or objects.

Caregiver Tips for the Late Stage:

• Provide constant care and supervision: Your loved one will need assistance with basic tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing, and toileting. It’s important to provide comfort and dignity during these moments.
• Focus on comfort: Keep your loved one comfortable by ensuring they are properly positioned, hydrated, and warm. Soft music or a comforting voice can offer emotional support.
• Use non-verbal communication: Since verbal communication may be limited, pay attention to non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and sounds to understand their needs.
• Maintain skin care: Skin integrity becomes a priority as individuals in the late stage may be immobile or incontinent. Regularly check for pressure sores and provide good skin hygiene.
• Provide emotional connection: Even though communication may be limited, continued physical affection, such as holding hands, stroking their hair, or simply sitting with them, can offer reassurance and love.

4. End of Life Care

In the final stage of dementia, care focuses on maintaining comfort and dignity, as the individual’s physical and cognitive functions decline significantly. This phase can be emotionally challenging for both the patient and the caregiver.

Common signs at the end of life:

• Complete loss of cognitive and physical abilities: No longer able to recognize family members or respond to stimuli.
• Severe difficulty with swallowing: Often unable to eat or drink.
• Decreased responsiveness: Little to no response to their environment or the people around them.
• Physical decline: Significant weight loss, difficulty breathing, and possible inability to move.
• Sleeping more: Spending most of their time in a state of unconsciousness or deep sleep.

Caregiver Tips for End-of-Life Care:

• Provide palliative care: Focus on comfort, pain management, and emotional support. Work with healthcare professionals to ensure that your loved one is as comfortable as possible.
• Create a peaceful environment: Surround them with familiar objects, sounds, and the people they love. Quiet moments, music, and gentle touch can provide comfort.
• Prepare for the emotional journey: End-of-life care can be emotionally taxing. Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or counseling to help you navigate this difficult time. Memory Connect offers caregiver support groups to provide support and guidance throughout your caregiving journey.

Understanding the stages of dementia can help you prepare for the changes your loved one will face and to provide the care they need throughout the progression of the disease. Each stage presents unique challenges, but with patience, compassion, and proper strategies, caregivers can make a meaningful impact on their loved one’s quality of life.

Sources

Alzheimer’s Association. What are the stages of Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s Association. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages

Brodaty, H., & Donkin, M. (2009). Family caregivers of people with dementia. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 11(2), 217-228. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19585957/

Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. (2006). The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss. The Johns Hopkins University Press.