A gentle, practical guide for families who want to protect dignity, safety, and connection

Caring for a parent with dementia is one of the most emotional responsibilities a family can carry. You’re not just managing symptoms—you’re holding together memories, routines, safety, and love. Many families want to keep their parents at home for as long as possible, where familiar surroundings provide comfort and emotional security.

With the right structure, skills, and guidance, home care is not only possible but often the most dignified and meaningful option.

Here is a clear roadmap to help you care for a parent with dementia at home—safely, calmly, and with dignity.

1. Build a Calm, Predictable Routine

Dementia disrupts the brain’s ability to handle new information.
Routine reduces confusion and anxiety.

A daily rhythm should include:

• fixed wake-up and sleep timings

• scheduled mealtimes

• bathing and grooming at the same time each day

• regular medication timing

• short walks or physiotherapy

• simple, meaningful activities

Routine creates emotional stability—and helps parents feel “in control.”

2. Communicate Slowly, Kindly, and Clearly

People with dementia respond to tone more than words.

Use:

• short sentences

• familiar language

• gentle reminders

• visual cues (pointing, demonstrating)

• calm tone even during difficult moments

Avoid:

• arguing

• correcting harshly

• saying “you forgot”

• overwhelming them with too many choices

Connection matters more than accuracy.

3. Keep the Home Safe and Comfortable

A few simple changes can prevent major crises:

• remove loose rugs

• add grab bars in bathrooms

• ensure good lighting—especially at night

• declutter hallways

• keep commonly used items in visible places

• lock unsafe areas (balcony, terrace, main gate if wandering risk exists)

• consider door alarms or GPS tags for those who wander

Safety equals dignity—because it prevents accidents that reduce independence.

4. Preserve Their Abilities—Don’t Do Everything for Them

Parents may take longer, but allowing them to:

• button their own shirt

• fold clothes

• water plants

• wipe tables

• help with small tasks

…keeps them active, engaged, and emotionally grounded.

This slows decline and preserves self-respect.

5. Manage Behavioural Symptoms Gently

Common symptoms include:

• agitation

• repetition

• night-time wandering

• irritability

• poor sleep

• confusion

• hallucinations (in Lewy body dementia)

Most of these improve with:

• identifying triggers

• creating structured routines

• maintaining day-time activity

• improving sleep hygiene

• adjusting medications with professional guidance

Behaviour is communication—find what the distress is trying to say.

6. Focus on Nutrition, Hydration & Sleep

Simple changes help more than we expect:

• small frequent meals

• soft foods if chewing/swallowing is difficult

• high-calorie snacks for those losing weight

• plenty of fluids (often forgotten in dementia)

• avoiding long daytime naps

• evening calming routine (dim lights, soft music, warm water wash)

A well-fed and well-rested person behaves better and feels better.

7. Train and Supervise Home Attenders

Most families use an attender or caregiver at home.
But attenders need training, especially for dementia.

Teach them:

• how to speak gently

• how to orient without arguing

• how to guide bathing safely

• how to handle wandering

• what to do if agitation starts

• how to monitor appetite, urine, bowel habits

• how to maintain hygiene respectfully

A trained attender can keep your parent safe while reducing your daily burden.

8. Take Care of Yourself Too

Caregiver burnout is real.
You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Caregivers need:

• breaks

• emotional support

• enough sleep

• shared responsibilities

• professional guidance during difficult phases

A strong caregiver = better care for the parent.

9. Know When to Seek Professional Help

Reach out to a specialist if you notice:

• sudden behaviour changes

• lack of sleep for several nights

• refusal to eat

• repeated falls

• hallucinations

• wandering outside the house

• intense caregiver exhaustion

Early intervention prevents hospitalisation and stabilises behaviour quickly.

How We Help Families Care for Parents at Home

At Mind & Memory Clinic, Apollo Clinic Velachery, I work closely with families who want to care for their parents at home while maintaining dignity and safety.

Here’s how we support you:

• Clear diagnosis & personalised care plans

We help you understand the type and stage of dementia and create a simple, practical roadmap for daily care.

• Behavioural symptom control

Agitation, wandering, sleeplessness, and irritability often improve significantly with the right strategies and medication optimisation.

• Home-care guidance

We teach families and attenders how to:

• structure routines

• manage difficult days

• prevent falls

• talk to a person with dementia

• handle night-time behaviours

• Crisis prevention

Most emergencies can be prevented with monthly reviews, early adjustments, and proactive planning.

• Emotional support for family caregivers

We guide caregivers through uncertainty, exhaustion, guilt, and difficult decision-making.

Outcome?

Parents remain:

• calmer

• safer

• more functional

• more connected

And families feel confident and supported, not overwhelmed.

If You Need Help Caring for a Parent With Dementia

You’re welcome to consult with me at:

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MD (AIIMS), DNB, MBA (BITS Pilani)
Consultant Psychiatrist & Neurofeedback Specialist
Mind & Memory Clinic, Apollo Clinic Velachery (Opp. Phoenix Mall)
✉ srinivasaiims@gmail.com 📞 +91-8595155808

Together, we can build a care plan that protects your parent’s dignity—and your peace of mind.