Frequently Asked Questions

Look for these warning signs: changes in personal hygiene, unexplained weight loss, missed medications, frequent falls, unpaid bills, spoiled food in the fridge, increased confusion, withdrawal from social activities, or signs of depression. If you notice several of these signs, it may be time to arrange for additional support.

Early signs of dementia include: memory loss that disrupts daily life (especially forgetting recently learned information), difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images, new problems with words in speaking or writing, misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, decreased or poor judgment, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in mood or personality.

Caregiver burnout is real and serious. To prevent it: recognize the early warning signs (exhaustion, irritability, feeling hopeless), ask for help and accept it when offered, use respite care services to give yourself regular breaks, join a caregiver support group, set realistic expectations and healthy boundaries, and prioritize your own physical and mental health. Remember: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

The most impactful home safety modifications include: installing grab bars in the bathroom and near stairs, improving lighting throughout the home (especially at night), removing trip hazards like loose rugs and clutter, adding handrails on both sides of stairs, installing a medical alert system, using non-slip mats in the bathroom, and considering a walk-in shower or tub if needed.

Choose a calm, private moment — not during a crisis. Use ‘I’ statements to express concern without accusation (‘I’ve noticed you seem tired lately’). Listen more than you talk. Focus on their safety and wellbeing, not your convenience. Involve their doctor if needed. Be patient — this conversation may need to happen more than once. Our guide on this topic walks you through it step by step.

Long-distance caregiving is challenging but manageable. Key strategies include: scheduling regular video or phone calls, coordinating with local neighbors or friends for check-ins, hiring a local care manager to oversee care, using technology (medical alerts, smart home devices, medication reminders), making the most of your visits by handling important tasks, and building a local support network you can call on in emergencies.

Memory care may be appropriate when your parent with dementia shows signs that are no longer safe to manage at home, such as: frequent wandering or getting lost, aggressive behavior, inability to perform basic daily tasks (eating, dressing, bathing), severe sleep disruption, or when the caregiver’s own health and wellbeing is significantly compromised.