Tip sheets for caregivers

Caregiving

The Caregiving Role discusses possible experiences through the stages of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Care for the Caregiver stresses the importance of taking care of yourself, as well as how to recognize and cope with stress.

Grief Related to Caregiving discusses grief and provides coping strategies during different stages of the caregiving journey.

How to Engage a Person with Dementia includes strategies to help you plan and provide meaningful activities.

How Do I Get My Relative Diagnosed? - Value of early diagnosis and tips on starting the conversation with the person

Taking a Break: Why It's Essential - Why it is important to take a break and strategies on how to arrange it

Memory Loss

Memory Loss: Challenges & Strategies - Understanding memory loss and strategies to use in your daily life

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) - Recognizing the warning signs and what to do

Responsive Behaviours

Anger/Agitation - Recognizing the warning signs and what to try

Behaviours: Understanding Changes - Why behaviours may occur and how to prevent or lessen the behaviour

Disinhibition - The signs and causes of behaviours that are tactless, inappropriate or offensive as well as some sources of help

Hoarding - Understanding reasons for hoarding and strategies for coping

Late Day Restlessness (Sundowning) - Identifying the triggers and some coping strategies

Paranoia/Delusions - Understanding paranoia and delusions and some coping strategies

Repetitive Behaviours - Why they happen and possible ways to respond

Sleep Disturbances - Why sleep disturbances occur and strategies to prevent them

Travel - Tips for travelling with someone who has dementia

Wandering - Understanding why this occurs and how to prevent it

Consent & Capacity

Consent and Capacity - Understanding capacity as it relates to dementia in Ontario

Planning

Care Planning Checklist for Caregivers - Caregiving checklist for the series of stages of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

Having a Back-up Plan - Why it's important to have a plan and what to include in one

Preparing for In-home Help and Support - Ways to make in-home help and support a positive experience

Planning for a Day When You Can No Longer Drive - Suggested approaches to help the driver

When a Move is Necessary - Preparing and supporting the person with dementia

Relationships

Maintaining Relationships - Understanding how dementia affects relationships and what will help

When Families Do Not Agree - Strategies in minimizing conflict and addressing caregiving issues in a supportive manner

Finances

Financial Planning - Maximizing income and benefits for the person with dementia

Finances and Long-Term Care - Frequently asked questions relating to residential care or long-term care homes

Managing Finances - Suggested strategies for caregivers in protecting assets for the person with dementia

Long-Term Care

After the Move: Adjustments for the Caregiver - Experiences and feelings about the move

After the Move: Communication and Working with Staff - Strategies to help you in your role as a "partner in care"

After the Move: Visiting - Suggested activities

Medical

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Fact Sheet for Care Partners or Persons Living with Dementia - Information about UTIs