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January 30th, 2025

Five Little Known Secrets to Make Dementia Caregiving Easier

Join us for a live & interactive discussion with the author of
Dementia Home Care, How to Prepare Before, During, and After

This engaging session will share practical tips and strategies designed to alleviate the Stress of dementia Caregiving, drawing from Perkins’ extensive experience as a caregiver and author.

This live and interactive discussion is brought to you by RAZ Mobility and the Positive Aging Community.

Five Little-Known Secrets to Make Dementia Caregiving Easier
Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional and challenging journey, but with the right strategies, it can become more manageable. Tracy Cram Perkins, a four-time dementia caregiving survivor, shares her invaluable insights on how to ease the process. From innovative memory aids to effective communication techniques, these five little-known secrets will help caregivers navigate the complexities of dementia care.

1. Use Visual and Audio Memory Aids
Memory aids can significantly reduce confusion and repetitive questioning. A simple whiteboard can be an effective tool for maintaining a daily schedule and answering frequently asked questions. For example, writing down reminders like "Doctor’s appointment at 3 PM" or "Dinner at 6 PM" can provide reassurance to a person with dementia.

Additionally, memory clocks or digital devices with recorded voice reminders help keep individuals oriented to time and tasks. For those who struggle with reading, verbal reminders can serve as an alternative way to provide guidance and reassurance.

2. Create a Personalized Memory Book
A memory book filled with photos and short descriptions of significant people, places, and events can help stimulate memories and conversations. Keeping descriptions short and simple—such as "This is my cat, Tiger"—can make them easier to understand.

These books are particularly useful during moments of distress or sundowning episodes. If a loved one is confused about where they are, caregivers can use the book to help orient them in a comforting way. Memory books can also assist individuals who revert to their first language, providing a visual reference when verbal communication becomes difficult.

3. Implement Safety Strategies to Prevent Wandering
Wandering is a common and concerning behavior in dementia. To minimize the risk, caregivers can employ creative methods such as:

Painting doors and doorframes the same color as the walls to make them less noticeable.
Using "Do Not Enter" or restroom signs on exits to discourage wandering.
Installing motion sensor alarms or jingle bells on doors.
Utilizing GPS tracking devices for added Security.
A particularly effective approach is disguising doorways with curtains or decals that resemble bookshelves or scenery, making them visually unappealing for a person with dementia.

4. Engage in Redirecting Techniques
Dementia often causes agitation and repetitive behaviors. Instead of correcting or arguing, caregivers should validate emotions and use redirection techniques. For instance, if a loved one insists that something has been stolen, writing a "police report" together can provide a sense of resolution without confrontation.

Similarly, if a person refuses to bathe, caregivers can reframe the experience by incorporating enjoyable elements such as playing favorite music or using a shower chair for added comfort. Identifying the root cause of resistance—whether it’s fear of falling, sensory issues, or modesty concerns—can help tailor a compassionate approach.

5. Utilize Music and Laughter for Emotional Connection
Music is one of the last memories to fade in dementia. Playing favorite songs from a loved one’s youth can reduce agitation and create moments of joy. Singing together can also serve as a way to engage with someone who has lost verbal communication skills.

Laughter Yoga is another powerful tool. Even forced laughter can trigger real joy and help relieve stress for both caregivers and those with dementia. Scheduling daily laughter sessions can create a more positive caregiving environment.

Conclusion
Dementia caregiving is a challenging journey, but by incorporating these five little-known secrets, caregivers can reduce stress and create meaningful moments with their loved ones. From memory aids to redirecting techniques, these practical strategies enhance communication, promote safety, and bring joy to the caregiving experience.

For more resources and caregiving tips, visit Positive Aging Community.

Steve Gurney Positive Aging Community

Steve Gurney founded Retirement Living SourceBook in 1990. Drawing from the experience of observing his family caring for Steve’s aging grandfather, he created a comprehensive publication to help others in the same situation. Over the next few years Steve expanded the publication to three regional editions, DC metro, State of Maryland, and the Philadelphia region. Steve has worked closely with nearly every regional and national organization on aging to help maximize their exposure and helping find solutions to their challenges.

In 1998, Mr. Gurney sold his company to The Washington Post where he served as General Manager of Sourcebook and the Senior Living Solutions Division. In 2019, Mr. Gurney acquired the resource back, and has re-branded as Positive Aging Community adding a new design and content, distribution partners, podcasts, and a robust schedule of live and interactive discussions with thought-leaders on a wide variety of topics.

In addition, Mr. Gurney founded ProAging Network meetings and leads the DC Senior Resource Group important resources for senior-serving professionals.

Mr. Gurney serves or has served on the board of directors for the Grass Roots Organization for the Well-Being of Seniors (GROWS), Alzheimer’s Association, Interages, Business and Aging Task Force, Virginia Intergenerational Task Force, and the Beacon Institute. Steve has served on countless committees and provided guidance to help organizations and businesses better serve the senior population. Mr. Gurney has received awards and recognition from the Seabury Resources for Aging, Maryland Assisted Living Association, the Senior Marketing Institute and other notable organizations. Steve is a regular speaker at local, regional and national events and has been featured in regional and national publications, electronic and broadcast media.

Steve Gurney received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Masters Degree from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

Mr. Gurney served as an adjunct professor at Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), instructing in the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Steve is a competitive endurance athlete and certified level 2 Adaptive Snowboard Instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), a certified level 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA). In the winter he instructs with Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports at Liberty Mountain Resort, and for over eight years he led operations and a team of instructors at Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboarding, which he turned over to Reston Association.

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