10 Caregiver Tips for Engaging Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Informational

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia at home is both rewarding and challenging. Daily routines may feel overwhelming, yet meaningful moments of connection are still possible—and incredibly important. At Perry Lutheran Homes, we walk with families every day, helping individuals with dementia live life to the fullest through innovative therapies, spiritual care, and person-centered support in our unique memory care neighborhoods.

Here are some practical tips to try at home.

Caregiver Tip #1 - Connect Memories Through Music

Music has a remarkable ability to awaken memories and emotions, even when words are hard to find. Create a playlist of meaningful songs and play them during meals, quiet times, or bedtime. Playing favorite hymns, songs from youth, or simple melodies can reduce agitation and anxiety, encourage movement, clapping, or singing along, and spark conversation and joy.

Caregiver Tip #2 - Comfort with Doll or Animal Therapy

For many individuals, holding a doll, furry animal (real or stuffed), or even a soft blanket provides reassurance and a sense of purpose. This simple comfort and act of caretaking often calms restless hands and reduces stress.

Caregiver Tip #3 - Create a Calming Environment

A safe and stimulating home can reduce worry and promote peace.

  • Use calming colors
  • Display family photos and familiar objects
  • Add comforting scents like lavender or cinnamon

Caregiver Tip #4 - Build on Abilities and Interests

Even as dementia progresses, passions remain. Meet your loved one where they are today:

  • Gardeners can water houseplants
  • Cooks can stir batter or set the table
  • Craftsmen can sand wood or sort small items

Caregiver Tip #5 - Include Them in Everyday Tasks

Daily chores provide dignity and purpose. Folding laundry, drying dishes, or sorting papers help retain life skills and create connection.

  • Give towels to fold or silverware to sort
  • Offer copies or voided checks for “helping” with bill paying
  • Involve them in safe food prep like washing vegetables

Caregiver Tip #6 - Reminisce Through Photos and Memories

Long-term memories often remain strong. Looking back on family, friends, or hobbies can spark joy and conversation.

  • Create photo albums or digital frames
  • Make themed books of hobbies or travels
  • Use photos as conversation starters

Caregiver Tip #7 - Nurture Spiritual Care

At Perry Lutheran Homes, faith is the heart of our community. Spiritual practices often remain deeply meaningful even as memory fades.

  • Pray together (the Lord’s Prayer is often remembered)
  • Read or listen to Scripture
  • Sing or hum familiar songs or hymns (Jesus Loves Me is a favorite of many)
  • Attend worship in person or online

Caregiver Tip #8 - Foster Intergenerational Connections

Children bring smiles and energy that light up the lives of those with dementia. At Perry Lutheran Homes, our on-site daycare and preschool, Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy, creates these special moments daily.

Invite grandchildren, neighborhood kids, or church youth for short visits. Reading, coloring, or simply sharing a hug can brighten everyone’s day.

Caregiver Tip #9 - Engage Creativity Through Art

Art provides a voice when words are hard to find. Painting, coloring, or simple crafts help express feelings, reduce stress, and spark joy. Provide safe art supplies and encourage free exploration. The process matters more than the finished product.

Caregiver Tip #10 - Most of All—Show Your Love and Presence

What your loved one needs most is you—your smile, your touch, your patience, your love. Even quiet moments together bring comfort.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

Plus 9 Bonus Tips for Caregivers

  • Keep a Routine – Predictability reduces confusion.
  • Encourage Gentle Exercise – Walking, stretching, or dancing improves mood and sleep.
  • Communicate Simply – Short sentences, slow pace, limited choices.
  • Validate Feelings – Respond with empathy, not correction.
  • Use the Senses – Touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound all bring comfort.
  • Redirect Gently – Guide away from unsafe behaviors toward safer activities.
  • Ensure Safety – Remove tripping hazards and secure dangerous items.
  • Celebrate Small Successes – Focus on what they can do, not what’s lost.
  • Care for Yourself Too – Take breaks, ask for help, and consider joining a support group.

You’re Not Alone

Caring for someone with dementia can feel isolating, but you don’t have to walk this road alone. Perry Lutheran Homes provides expertise, encouragement, and Christ-centered care for caregivers and individuals living with memory loss through support groups, in-home memory care services, and our innovative memory care neighborhoods.

Join our Dementia Support Group

Monthly meetings occur the second Friday of each month at 11:00 AM at Eden Acres Campus of Perry Lutheran Homes (1300 28th St, Perry). Learn more HERE.

About Perry Lutheran Homes

Perry Lutheran Homes is a non-profit, faith-based Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) serving individuals and families in Central Iowa. With Christ-centered values and a 70-year legacy of compassion, Perry Lutheran Homes provides a full continuum of care including independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitative therapy, respite care, long-term care, memory care, home-delivered meals, and in-home care services. Perry Lutheran Homes is committed to helping individuals live with dignity, purpose, and grace in every season of life.