Being a caregiver to a loved one is an incredibly rewarding experience, yet it's also a difficult one. And if your loved one has dementia, caregiving can be even more challenging. More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia, a contribution to the nation valued at nearly $350 billion.  

When supporting a person living with Alzheimer’s dementia, caregiving often includes assistance with one or more activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, as well as multiple instrumental activities of daily living, such as paying bills, shopping and using transportation. Caregivers also provide emotional support to people with Alzheimer’s dementia, help them manage health conditions, and communicate and coordinate care with other family members and health care providers. 

Proactive management of Alzheimer’s and other dementias can improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers. Proactive management includes actions by the person living with dementia and their caregivers and actions by health care providers and other members of the health care workforce.

Actions for the person living with dementia and their caregivers include:

• Becoming educated about the disease.
• Maintaining a sense of self and relationships with others.
• Identifying and participating in activities that are meaningful and bring purpose to one’s life.
• Identifying opportunities to connect with others living with dementia and their caregivers and participating in related activities.
• Planning for the future, including future health care needs, changes in employment and financial changes.

Actions for health care providers and other members of the health care workforce include:

• Appropriate use of available treatment options.
• Effective management of coexisting conditions.
• Coordination of care among health care providers, other health care professionals and lay caregivers.
• Directing family caregivers to resources to help them learn how to manage the day-to-day needs of the individual living with dementia.