Dementia-Friendly Resources: What Helped My Dad

Fishing with Dad on one of our camping trips

Dear Reader,

If you have a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, you know their needs can change quickly. Making it even more challenging is knowing that the symptoms do not show themselves in linear form — slowly progressing at a predetermined pace where you can easily anticipate what to do next. I know this from personal experience. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017. After learning what I could from his neurologist, I took to the internet searching for helpful resources. What I found was an overwhelming list of reading material and random items you could purchase. What I needed was a list of resources from someone who’d been in my shoes.

I created this blog post as a resource (hopefully a helpful one) to anyone who finds themselves in the same boat — needing some tried-and-true recommendations from someone who’s been there.

Where I Started:

• Support is out there. Learn what options are available.

  Making the first call for support can be hard, but it’s necessary.

  My brother and I started by contacting the organization, A Place for Mom, which provides free personalized support for finding senior care (and not just for your mom). They helped us learn about all the options near us.

  We already knew my dad needed to move out of his apartment to a more social atmosphere, so at-home support was not something we considered. Instead, we visited several places and decided on a Continued Care Retirement Community (CCRC). (Dad was involved in this decision-making process as well). At the time of his diagnosis, he was still able to live independently. The CCRC provided the opportunity to stay in one “community” where he could move into assisted living and then to the memory care setting when needed. He did move on to assisted living there, but when he needed memory care, we decided a small, memory care home was a better fit where he could get more individualized attention.

• Identify your loved one’s current interests and use them to connect.

  My dad loved the outdoors and reading.

  Early on, we got him signed up for the local Audubon Society where he could meet people and be outside for walks/bird watching. We also went on outings to local parks such as Brookside Gardens Nature Center where they have specific areas and activities for “seniors” to sit and observe the wildlife. The birds of prey site at the Meadowside Nature Center was also a favorite!

  When Dad wasn’t able to read like he used to, we bought colorful books with nature themes that we’d look through and read together. We also found these specialized puzzles designed for people with Alzheimer’s and a bird feeder for outside his window to bring nature to him.

  Dementia-Friendly Resources

  Here are some specific resources we found helpful:

• Day of the Week Clock Generally good to have around

• Premium Day Clock w/ Reminders Helpful in many ways, but especially with transitioning from morning-noon-night

• Indoor Audio Cameras Gave me peace-of-mind in so many ways. My highest recommendation!

• ID Bracelet The first thing I bought. We had it engraved with Dad’s name, Daughter: phone number and Son: phone number.

There are many more resources out there, but hopefully these will give you a starting point as you navigate how to best support your loved one. Just remember, you are not alone!

My dad passed away in 2022, but I feel his presence every day in the little things that remind me of him. Especially in nature.

Thanks for Reading,

✌️Ginger