By Tiffany Fishbaugh, LISW-S
The ability to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia is an honor, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. The 2025 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report estimates that 83 percent of caregivers of the elderly in America are family, friends, or others who provide unpaid care. Almost half of those providing the care do so for someone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or another dementia. According to this same report, 452.000 people in Ohio provide this care. Are you a caregiver of a loved one with dementia or do you know of someone in this role? Here are a few things that may be helpful for you to know as you strive to care for them well and model the patience of love of Christ.
First, since dementia can involve problems with communication, memory, sequencing, and orientation, it can lead to frustration for both you and your loved one. As the caregiver, you have the ability to process responses and emotions, but the individual with dementia can face challenges in both receptive and expressive communication, leading to negative behaviors. However, behavior is a form of communication. Remember that the “behavior” of a person with dementia may, in reality, be a reaction. All behavior has meaning, especially when someone cannot find the words to communicate in concrete ways. People caring for those with dementia have the opportunity to patiently dig deeper into what the person is trying to communicate. It is important to pay attention to the person’s facial expressions and body language.
Second, each person living with dementia has a life story. Having knowledge of who they are and who they were, is essential to understanding the meaning behind their behaviors and reactions. Your loved one may be responding to his perception of his environment or surroundings such as smells, sounds, or temperature. He or she may have unmet physical needs, such as being tired, hungry, or in pain. Unmet emotional needs for security, companionship, or a sense of control can also be communicated through behaviors that are perceived as negative.
Whatever your loved one is communicating through a specific behavior, it is important to acknowledge their words, sounds, or behaviors. Validation communicates to a someone with dementia that you care and will try to accept and support them during this confusing and difficult time.
If being in this role is stressful for you, that is normal. Signs of being stressed in a caregiving role include sleep disruption, irritability, isolation, or health decline. Do not hesitate to reach out to trusted friends or a counselor when you feel like you need your own support.
