Memory Care and the Dedicated Family Caregiver


If there’s one thing we know here at SYNERGY HomeCare is that good in-home care is of the utmost importance. It’s for this reason that we want to commend the millions of family caregivers that have made it their priority to attend to their loved ones in need.

In 2010, 14.9 million family and friends provided 17 billion hours of unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We find this extraordinary. Being a family caregiver to someone who struggles with memory loss is no simple task, and we are truly humbled by the amount of time and energy these family caregivers have sacrificed for the well-being of their friends and family.

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, you know it’s not easy. More than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia family caregivers experience high levels of stress and one-third even report symptoms of depression.[1] While to some people these statistics would be upsetting, at SYNERGY HomeCare we find them a call to action to help and support the nation’s championing family caregivers.

One of the number one things we recommend for caregivers offering prolonged care is occasional Respite Care, because sometimes a day off is what you need the most to get physically and emotionally recharged.

Also, here are some tips for daily life in caring for someone with memory loss, no matter how long you’ve been caregiving or to what degree your loved one needs assistance:

    • Engage daily in friendly, understanding conversation
    • Encourage participation in activities like puzzles and games, but remember to focus on enjoyment rather than achievement
    • Help your loved one to know that they are being heard and try to avoid arguing or criticizing
    • Encourage them to be involved in daily life, in accordance with what their physical condition will allow
    • Try your best to be flexible and patient—not only will it help your loved one to be more comfortable, but it could bring your stress level down!

Again, family caregivers, we applaud your compassion and dedication. Thank you for being selfless, but remember that you don’t have to do this alone. To find out how SYNERGY HomeCare can further help your family in caregiving, call us at 877-810-1967.

~by Chantel Heister