About Alzheimer's Disease: Caregiving

On this page:

• Caregiving Tip Sheets and Resources
  • Behaviors
  • Everyday Care
  • Communication
  • Relationships
  • Safety
  • Caregiver Health
  • Legal and Financial Issues
  • Middle- and Late-Stage Care
• NIA Information on Caregiving
• Caregiving News

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is physically, emotionally, and financially challenging . The demands of day-to-day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. Researchers have learned much about Alzheimer’s caregiving, and studies are testing new ways to support caregivers.

Becoming well-informed about the disease is one important long-term strategy. Programs that teach families about the various stages of Alzheimer’s and about flexible and practical strategies for dealing with difficult caregiving situations provide vital help to those who care for people with Alzheimer’s.

Good coping skills and a strong support network of family and friends also help caregivers handle the stresses of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. For example, staying physically active has physical and emotional benefits.

Some Alzheimer’s caregivers have found that participating in a support group is a critical lifeline. Support groups allow caregivers to take a break, express concerns, share experiences, get tips, and receive emotional comfort. Many organizations sponsor in-person and online support groups , including groups for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s and their families. Support networks can be especially valuable when caregivers face the difficult decision of whether and when to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

For more information about at-home caregiving, see Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging.

Caregiving Tip Sheets and Resource Lists

Behaviors

• Coping with Agitation and Aggression (PDF, 707K)
• Rummaging and Hiding Things (PDF, 484K)
• Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia (PDF, 494K)
• Managing Personality and Behavior Changes (PDF, 748K)
• Managing Alzheimer’s Disease Communication and Behavior Problems: A Resource List

Everyday Care

• Bathing (PDF, 619K)
• Grooming and Dressing (PDF, 168K)
• Incontinence (PDF, 501K)
• Daily Activities (PDF, 465K)
• Going Out (PDF, 401K)
• Exercise and Physical Activity (PDF, 1.0M)
• Healthy Eating (PDF, 453K)
• Managing Medicines (PDF, 625K)
• Traveling Overnight (PDF, 425K)
• Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving: A Resource List

Communication

• Changes in Communication Skills (PDF, 897K)
• Managing Alzheimer’s Disease Communication and Behavior Problems: A Resource List

Relationships

• Holiday Hints (PDF, 479K)
• Helping Family and Friends Understand Alzheimer’s Disease (PDF, 439K)
• Helping Kids Understand Alzheimer’s Disease (PDF, 785K)
• Alzheimer's Disease Information for Children and Teens: A Resource List
• Changes in Intimacy and Sexuality (PDF, 644K)
• Intimacy, Sexuality, and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Resource List

Safety

• Disaster Preparedness (PDF, 613K)
• Driving Safety (PDF, 694K)
• Wandering (PDF, 836K)
• Going to the Hospital (PDF, 502K)

Caregiver Health

• Caring for Yourself (PDF, 438K)
• Coping with Emotions and Stress in Alzheimer’s Caregiving: A Resource List

Legal and Financial Issues

• Money Problems (PDF, 156K)
• Legal and Financial Issues for People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Resource List

Middle- and Late-Stage Care

• End-of-Life Care (PDF, 156K)
• Choosing Services and Long-Term Care for People with Alzheimer's Disease: A Resource List

More Information

• View videos and other resources from THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT, a collaborative effort of the National Institute on Aging/NIH and HBO Documentary Films.