Dementia Care at Home: A Family Guide for Maryland Residents

Caring for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer's disease is one of the most challenging journeys a family can face. While the diagnosis can feel overwhelming, many families successfully provide care at home with the right support and strategies. This guide is designed specifically for Maryland families navigating Dementia care.

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of Dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.

Common Symptoms:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Changes in mood and personality

Creating a Safe Home Environment

Safety modifications are essential for Dementia care at home:

Remove Hazards:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms
• Remove throw rugs that could cause falls
• Lock up medications, cleaning supplies, and sharp objects
• Install locks on exterior doors to prevent wandering
• Remove or secure firearms

Add Safety Features:

• Motion-sensor lights for nighttime
• Labels on drawers and cabinets
• Contrasting colors for stairs and doorways
• Remove mirrors if they cause confusion
• Keep pathways clear and well-lit

Communication Strategies

Effective communication becomes more challenging as Dementia progresses:

Do:

• Speak slowly and clearly in simple sentences
• Make eye contact and use gentle touch
• Allow plenty of time for responses
• Use visual cues and gestures
• Stay calm and patient
• Validate their feelings

Don't:

• Argue or try to reason
• Ask "Do you remember?"
• Talk about them as if they're not there
• Correct every mistake
• Raise your voice
• Rush them

Establishing Routines

People with Dementia thrive on predictable routines:

• Keep daily activities at the same time each day
• Use calendars and clocks
• Prepare for transitions (give warnings before activities)
• Build in rest periods
• Maintain familiar surroundings when possible

Managing Challenging Behaviors

Sundowning (Late afternoon/evening confusion):

• Increase lighting in the afternoon
• Avoid caffeine and sugar late in the day
• Schedule demanding activities for morning
• Create a calm evening environment

Wandering:

• Ensure they wear ID bracelet
• Install door alarms
• Keep recent photos for emergency
• Notify neighbors of the situation
• Consider GPS tracking devices

Aggression or Agitation:

• Identify triggers (pain, hunger, overstimulation)
• Redirect attention to calming activities
• Maintain calm tone and body language
• Give them space if needed
• Consult doctor about medication if severe

Self-Care for Family Caregivers

Dementia caregiving is exhausting. You cannot pour from an empty cup:

• Join a support group (Alzheimer's Association Maryland chapter)
• Take regular breaks (respite care)
• Accept help from family and friends
• Maintain your own health appointments
• Set realistic expectations
• Consider professional home care support

When to Get Professional Help

Consider professional Dementia care when:

• You're experiencing caregiver burnout
• Behaviors become unmanageable
• Safety concerns increase
• Your loved one needs 24/7 supervision
• You need respite to work or care for yourself

Maryland Resources for Dementia Care

Alzheimer's Association Maryland Chapter

• 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
• Support groups throughout Maryland
• Educational programs
• Care consultation

Maryland Department of Aging

• Senior information and assistance
• Caregiver support programs
• Respite care resources

Local Memory Cafes

• Social programs for people with Dementia and caregivers
• Available in Baltimore, Columbia, and Frederick

How Kindred Caregivers Supports Dementia Families

Our team specializes in Dementia and Alzheimer's care with:

Specialized Training:

• Memory care techniques
• Behavioral management strategies
• Communication methods for cognitive decline
• Safety protocols for wandering and confusion

Personalized Care Plans:

• Activities tailored to cognitive abilities
• Familiar routines maintained
• Dignity and respect prioritized
• Family involvement encouraged

Flexible Support:

• A few hours a week to 24/7 care
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Companion care for social engagement
• Personal care assistance

RN Oversight:

• Led by registered nurse with 30+ years experience
• Regular care plan reviews
• Coordination with medical team
• Family communication and support

The Bottom Line

Caring for someone with Dementia at home is possible with the right support. You don't have to do it alone.

Call Kindred Caregivers at 443-386-8466 for a FREE consultation about Dementia care. We serve Baltimore, Howard, Carroll, and Frederick Counties and can start care within 30 minutes.

Our family-owned agency understands the unique challenges of Dementia care and is here to support your family every step of the journey.