Free Dementia Care Guide
Caring for Mum with Dementia: A Son’s Honest Journey
For Our Family: Sharing the Ups and Downs of Caring for Mum
Get practical advice, emotional support, and valuable resources for caring for a parent with dementia.
As we figure out how to care for Mum together, I’m putting down my thoughts, struggles, and small victories-everything I wish I’d known at the start. These aren’t expert tips, just honest stories and practical ideas from our day-to-day life.
If you ever need reassurance, advice, or just a reminder that we’re all doing our best, I hope you’ll find it here. Let’s lean on each other and share what helps, what hurts, and what gives us hope.
Why This Resource Matters
Find clarity and support in a complex journey.
1
Trusted Guidance
Navigate each step with carefully curated information from credible sources.
2
Supportive Community
Connect with others who understand your challenges and experiences.
3
Practical Resources
Access tools that make daily caregiving more manageable and effective.
Understanding Dementia
1
What is Dementia?
2
Types of Dementia:
Alzheimer's (most common), Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, and Mixed.
3
Common Symptoms:
Memory loss, communication difficulties, reasoning problems, and personality changes.
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Progression:
Early (forgetfulness), Middle (increased confusion), Late (significant care needs).
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Living Well:
Routine, familiar surroundings, meaningful activities, and proper support systems help.
Caregiver Support
Getting Started as a Caregiver
Daily Care & Communication
Practical tips and effective strategies for everyday interactions.
Managing Difficult Behaviors
Approaches for handling challenging situations with compassion.
Self-Care & Respite Options
Essential practices to maintain your own wellbeing while caregiving.
5
Compassionate Care Guide
Resources & Services
Finding the right support makes all the difference in your caregiving journey. These resources have been essential in our family's experience.
National Organizations
Alzheimer's Association and Dementia Society offer 24/7 helplines, educational workshops, and online communities connecting caregivers nationwide.
Government Resources
Medicare covers dementia screenings and some home health services. Social Security offers disability benefits that many families overlook.
Local Support
Area Agencies on Aging provide meal delivery and transportation. Memory cafés offer social opportunities for both caregivers and loved ones.
Professional Help
Geriatric care managers can coordinate medical appointments. Respite care services give you essential breaks to recharge.
Remember: accepting help isn't weakness. It's wisdom. These services exist because no one should navigate this journey alone.
Financial & Legal
Paying for Care
Long-term care costs average $4,000-$8,000 monthly. Explore insurance options, Medicare coverage limits, and Medicaid eligibility based on financial need.
Legal Planning
Establish powers of attorney and advance directives early. Consider trusts to protect assets while maintaining benefits eligibility. Regular updates ensure wishes are honored.
Planning early prevents financial strain later. Consult an elder law attorney familiar with dementia care. Many offer free initial consultations to assess your situation.
Community & Connection
Support Groups
Find strength in shared experiences. Local and virtual dementia caregiver groups provide understanding only fellow travelers can offer.
Forums & Discussion Boards
Connect anytime through online communities. Ask questions, share insights, and find solutions from caregivers worldwide.
Share Your Story
Your journey matters. Sharing experiences helps others feel less alone and creates meaningful connections beyond caregiving.
Connection transforms the caregiving journey. Isolation compounds challenges, but community lightens the load. Reach out today—your community awaits.
Featured Products for Dignity & Comfort
Daily Living Aids
Adaptive utensils with ergonomic grips, one-button audio reminders, and easy-to-read clocks that distinguish morning from evening to maintain independence.
Memory Support Tools
Picture-based activity boards, personalized memory books, and simple GPS trackers that offer peace of mind while preserving dignity.
Comfort & Sensory Items
Weighted blankets, therapeutic fidget quilts, and aromatherapy diffusers that reduce anxiety and promote calm during moments of confusion.
Send Me a Note
Write your thoughts
If there's something you've been holding in — a question, a worry, a win
Submit your note
I invite you to write to me
Receive a response
I answer anonymously on this site, one note at a time
About the Author
I'm not a medical professional or a therapist. I’m just a son navigating the slow, invisible unraveling of the lady who raised me. What began as confusion became clarity: this was no longer about solving or fixing — it was about showing up, consistently and compassionately.
Explore More
Caregiver Support
  • Understanding Communication in Dementia
  • Understanding Dementia Care and Its Challenges
  • Self-Care for Caregivers: Essential Practices
Resources & Services
  • National Organizations Supporting Dementia Care
  • Finding Local Support in Your Community
  • Professional Help Options for Dementia Care
Financial & Legal
  • Navigating the Costs of Dementia Care
  • Legal Planning Essentials for Families
  • Estate Planning for Caregivers
Continue your journey with these helpful resources. Each article provides practical guidance from experienced caregivers and specialists.
Information You Can Trust
I understand how crucial it is to find reliable health information. That's why I've curated content from sources renowned for their dedication to accuracy and evidence-based practices.
Navigate My Caregiving Journey
Resources and stories to support you at every stage of caregiving.
Home
Start your journey on the main page.
Understanding Dementia
Financial & Legal
Paying for Care
Community & Connection
Support Groups
Whatever stage you're at, you're not alone. Each page offers unique support.
Connect With Us
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Join our caregiver community to share experiences and find support.
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Connect with others who understand your caregiving journey. Every interaction strengthens our support community.