Books For You
The 36 Hour Day– This book is incredibly helpful if you are just starting out on your caregiving journey. It is a long book, but it’s chock-full of most things you need to know about what your loved one is going through.
Loving Someone Who Has Dementia– This book is the opposite of The 36 Hour Day, because it teaches you nothing that has to do with caregiving. Dr. Boss (Yes, that’s her real name!) takes you through the emotional steps of caregiving, from ambiguous loss to learning what to do if you have no family to help you. It’s an incredibly helpful read for someone who is struggling with the ambiguity of grieving someone who is still Earth side.
Daily Living
White Board– White boards are a great way for your loved one to write their own notes or for you to write a note. I would put a few of these up in their most lived spaces, like the kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom.
Post-It Notes– Post Its are another great way to give Mom or Dad reminders throughout their day. Put them alllllll over the place.
Safety Measures
Locks– Here are two different options that you can go with, or you can do both for added security if your loved one is what we call a “flight risk”. You may have seen these locks on TikTok, but they are great if your loved one is a little shorter and if they can figure out the door locks.
I really like this front door lock. The best part about is that it’s wifi enabled so that you can get in if they try to lock the door on you. It’s happened, I’ve seen it. It also has biometrics in case you forgot your phone at home.
Gait Belt- these are especially helpful when your loved one is not walking as well anymore. You deserve to have a healthy back, and this will help you get there. Get the basic cloth kind, like this one. It not only helps your back, but it also prevents wedgies that become incredibly uncomfortable for those with dementia. this may also cause a behavioral episode. Wedgies suck! Here’s a great little tutorial on how to correctly use a gait belt.
Shower Bench- This is going to be a very helpful tool in your toolbelt for showering. This specific shower bench sits over the tub so it can be more of a scoot transfer instead of stepping into the tub, which can be scary for those who have dementia. In one season of my life, my mom was very sick, and we used a shower chair like this for her. Worked wonders
Rug Tape-In the world of dementia, I. Hate. Rugs. I hate them. Nowadays, however, hardwood has come back in style and those who have dementia get COLD! If you MUST have rugs on the floor to keep mom warmer, I suggest rug tape. It keeps rugs from starting to curl so that it becomes less of a trip hazard for your loved one.
SimpliSafe Security System w/ Cameras– Security systems have gotten much cheaper as their technology has improved and their popularity has grown. It’s essentially a “nanny cam” so that you can see the simpler things, like if dad has left the drapes closed or sometime more severe, like he’s fallen. These cameras and alarms are sleek and are easy to fit on a bookshelf or armoire. It will give you added protection if you’re trying to keep mom or dad home for as long as you can.
Alternative To Swivel Chairs– Like throw rugs, I also despise swivel chairs because they are a huge fall hazard. We want as much control in an uncontrollable situation! Here’s an alternative to the swivel chair that I think will be comfortable and SAFE!
Medication Dispenser- If you are working or have an active life AND trying to take care of your loved one at home well, the best alternatives to them taking their medications are automatic dispensers. I want to note that the most expensive and innovative dispensers WILL NOT force your loved one to take their meds or watch them take them. If you need to make sure that their meds are being taken, you should be there or have someone be there when it’s time to take them. I am not an affiliate for this product, but I think that Hero is a phenomenal option for someone early on in their disease process. After you see that your loved one is starting to skip their meds consistently, it may not be as good of an option anymore.
Night Lights– you should have night lights all over the house for your loved one. It’s not that they’re scared of the dark (although some might be when they progress in their disease process), but their ability to see clearly at night decreases. These are great night lights that you can add to their home. They’re in a 4-pack, so buy multiples. Put them on the stairs! In the Bathroom! In the kitchen! On your forehead, I don’t care! Just put them everywhere!
Dining
Red Diningware-There are different ways to go about assisting to feed a loved one who has dementia, and this is one of them. There is evidence that supports that those who have dementia can see the contrast that the color red is, aiding in the depth perception. There are other ways to aid those who need assistance with eating, but this is an inexpensive way so that they can get the nutrition that they need.
Blender-Not only is having a blender on hand to create nutritious smoothies for you and your loved one, but this is a great way to help chop up food for them if their swallowing is starting to become an issue. I love the Ninja blender system. The blades are super sharp (note: keep away from dementia!) and it’s a super affordable alternative to something like the Vitamix (which I also love). I also opted for the one with smoothie cups so you can blend it, cap it, and give it to them if they’re on the go! Here is a helpful video to create healthy and delicious pureed using a blender.
