According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 7.2 million seniors aged 65 and older in the US are living with Alzheimer’s in 2025. 74% of them are 75 or older.
Caring for someone with this condition can be overwhelming. Your loved one may forget to take medication or struggle to recall their last meal. You have questions about how to help someone with memory loss.
If your relative is an older parent, one option is to move them into a reputable memory care community. TerraBella Summerville is a great choice for seniors seeking memory care and help with daily living.
Located at 335 Midland Parkway in Summerville, SC, TerraBella Summerville offers compassionate care in a beautiful setting. Keep reading for memory support tips your family can follow to help your senior parent.
Create a Routine
A predictable schedule reduces anxiety and confusion. Set regular times for:
- Meals
- Medication
- Bedtime
- Exercise
- Personal hygiene routines
Communicate the routine clearly if you’re sharing care for the person with other family members. Use a shared calendar or notes to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Consistent routines help maintain stability and ensure your loved one receives the support they need. Regular family meetings or updates on senior care communication keep everyone informed and involved in care. Following a routine provides structure, making the day easier to navigate and offering a sense of security for your older parent.
Encourage Familiar Activities
Encouraging your loved one to engage in activities they enjoy fosters a sense of purpose and familiarity. Encourage hobbies they used to love, such as:
- Gardening
- Knitting
- Listening to music
- Painting or drawing
- Cooking or baking
If they loved reading, try audiobooks or large-print books to make it easier. If possible, participate in the activities with them to create shared moments of connection.
These activities keep their mind active and enhance memory loss management. They provide comfort and enjoyment, helping your senior parent feel valued.
Be Patient and Understanding
Your loved one may forget things frequently or become frustrated. Avoid taking it personally.
Instead, respond with patience and understanding. Offer gentle reminders and give them time to express themselves.
If they struggle with simple tasks or conversations, reassure them with kindness. Avoid raising your voice or becoming impatient, as this may increase their frustration.
Recognize that their condition is out of their control and approach them with empathy and respect. Your calm and supportive attitude will help ease their stress.
Create a Safe Environment
Memory loss can make living dangerously challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved one may forget to turn off the stove, leave doors unlocked, or wander outside alone.
They might trip over clutter or slip in the bathroom, increasing their risk of falls and injuries. To reduce these risks, you may need to modify your home by:
- Removing loose rugs and clutter
- Installing handrails for support
- Adding locks or alarms to doors
- Labeling rooms like the bathroom and kitchen
- Checking smoke detectors and security systems
The modifications can be costly, potentially requiring significant expenses or financing. Consider moving them to a memory care community like TerraBella Summerville to cut costs.
We offer safe and conducive living spaces for seniors with cognitive and memory issues. Our team specializes in dementia caregiving, ensuring their safety and comfort every day.
Simplify Communication
People with memory problems often struggle with following conversations. They may repeat themselves or forget what was said. Sometimes, they might not fully understand you when speaking to them.
To help, adjust how you communicate. Use short, clear sentences and speak slowly. Avoid giving too many instructions at once, as it can overwhelm them.
Offer simple choices, such as ‘Would you like soup or a sandwich?’ instead of asking open-ended questions. Non-verbal cues, such as hand gestures and facial expressions, also support communication. Effective senior care communication creates an environment where your loved one feels understood and reduces frustration.
Use Memory Aids
Memory aids are practical tools to help someone with memory loss recall important information. Consider using:
- Calendars with large dates
- Clocks with big numbers
- Digital reminders on a smartphone
- Sticky notes with key details
- Photo albums with labeled images
- Memory boxes filled with mementos
These aids can help your loved one remember important tasks and provide comfort. Encourage them to rely on these tools without feeling embarrassed.
By doing so, they can better manage their daily activities. Family education also plays a significant role in ensuring everyone is on the same page and helping your loved one use these tools effectively.
Stay Engaged Socially
Social interaction is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being. Help your loved one stay connected with friends and family through visits, phone calls, or video chats, and encourage participation in group activities such as:
- Church services
- Support groups
- Community centers
- Book clubs
- Art classes
- Local volunteer programs
These activities reduce isolation and boost mental stimulation. Be mindful of their comfort level.
Large crowds may be overwhelming, so choose small, familiar settings. Socializing supports memory loss management and helps lift their spirits.
Monitor Health and Medication
Seniors with dementia might forget to take their medications, leading to missed doses or dangerous interactions. When caring for them, medication management becomes an important responsibility. Set reminders for each dose or use a medication organizer to ensure proper use.
Regular doctor checkups are necessary to monitor their overall health. Keep track of any changes in:
- Behavior
- Mood
- Physical condition
- Sleep patterns
- Appetite
Report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider. Effective medication management is an essential component of dementia caregiving, ensuring your loved one’s health is consistently monitored and maintained.
How to Help Someone with Memory Loss: Practical Tips for Caregivers
When learning how to help someone with memory loss, it’s important to understand their daily needs. Strategies like creating a routine, simplifying communication, and providing a safe environment can make a big difference. Encourage social engagement, monitor health, and use memory aids to support them.
At TerraBella Summerville, we offer compassionate care designed for seniors with memory loss. Our Area Executive Director, Christy Drinkard, brings over 20 years of healthcare experience, ensuring your loved one receives the best care. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
