Dementia Care at Home, Done Right: A 2025 Family Handbook (Georgia Edition)

Why this guide

Most families want loved ones with memory loss to stay home as long as it’s safe. What makes the difference isn’t gadgets or luck—it’s routines, home design, caregiver support, and knowing when to call for help. This handbook is your step‑by‑step plan.

1) Understanding dementia—so your plan fits the person

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behavior (Alzheimer’s disease is the most common). Symptoms and needs change over time, so your plan should, too.

• Plain‑language overview (National Institute on Aging): https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving

• Alzheimer’s Association caregiver hub: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving

What to watch for right now

• New confusion at dusk (“sundowning”)

• Changes in walking, balance, or swallowing

• Medication mistakes (missed doses, duplicates)

• Unsafe behaviors (leaving the stove on, wandering, driving at night)

2) Build a day that works (routines that reduce stress)

Routines lower anxiety and help the brain use fewer “decision calories.”

How to build it

• Anchor points: wake time, meals, light activity, bathroom schedule, calming bedtime routine

• One focus per block: bathing or dressing—not both—when energy is best

• Meaningful activity over busywork: folding towels, simple sorting, music, short walks, faith practices, photos

Helpful ideas (daily care): https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care

Sample AM routine (adjust to taste)

• 7:30 Breakfast + meds

• 8:15 Bathroom + grooming

• 9:00 Short walk or gentle stretches

• 9:30 Favorite music + simple task (folding, sorting photos)

• 10:30 Snack + water

3) Safety first: home upgrades that matter most

You don’t need a remodel; start with the high‑impact fixes.

• Lighting: Bright bulbs, nightlights from bed to bath

• Trip hazards: Remove throw rugs, tape cords to the wall, clear pathways

• Bathroom: Grab bars (toilet & shower), non‑slip mat/decals, shower chair + handheld showerhead

• Kitchen: Put most‑used items at waist level; use timers; consider knob covers

• Emergency list on the fridge: meds, allergies, diagnoses, physician numbers, preferred hospital

Room‑by‑room checklists you can print:

• CDC Home Fall‑Prevention Checklist (PDF): https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/steadi-brochure-checkforsafety-508.pdf

• NIA Home Safety Checklist (PDF): https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/home-safety-checklist_0.pdf

4) Wandering & nighttime agitation: prevent, prepare, respond

Prevent

• Daily daylight + light activity; limit late caffeine

• Lock doors high/low or use simple door chimes

• Place shoes/jacket away from exits after dinner (fewer “leaving” cues)

Prepare

• Recent photo, physical description, medical conditions, and preferred places the person might go

• ID bracelet/necklace (Medical ID): https://www.medicalert.org/

• Project Lifesaver (radio‑frequency tracking, used by many sheriffs): https://projectlifesaver.org/

Respond

• If the person goes missing, call 911 immediately; mention “cognitive impairment.”

• Wandering & safety tips: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering

Sleep changes & sundowning

• Keep evenings calm, lights on (reduce shadows), favorite relaxation routine

• Gentle music, hand massage, familiar blanket/pillow scent

Sleep & Alzheimer’s overview (NIA): https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-and-sleep

5) Medication management that avoids mistakes

Keep it simple

• One prescriber “quarterback” if possible

• Weekly pill organizer (set up the same time each week)

• One reminder method (phone alarm, smart speaker, or big‑button clock—don’t stack three systems)

Medication safety basics:

• FDA tips: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/taking-medicine-safely

• CDC medication safety: https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/

Pro move

• Ask your pharmacist about easy‑open or blister packs, and a med list with indications (“why we take it”) in large print.

6) Communication that keeps dignity front and center

• Start with yes: “Yes, let’s sit together—then we’ll get ready.”

• One step at a time, short sentences, gentle eye contact

• Validate feelings, then redirect: “You miss work. Let’s look at your team photo while we have tea.”

• Avoid testing memory; offer choices with two good options

More tips for day‑to‑day care: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care

7) Your support system (and why respite is medical care for the caregiver)

Caring long‑term is a marathon. Respite isn’t a luxury; it’s how you last.

• AARP Family Caregiving: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/

• Family Caregiver Alliance (skills, support groups, legal/financial guides): https://www.caregiver.org/

• Georgia Aging Services & Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): https://aging.georgia.gov/locations

• If anyone is in immediate emotional distress, call/text 988 (24/7): https://988lifeline.org/

8) Legal & planning essentials (start early, review yearly)

• Advance care planning (healthcare proxy, treatment preferences): https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning

• Financial powers & documents (talk with an elder‑law attorney)

• Driving safety plan (prefer daytime, short routes; evaluate often): https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/dementia-driving

• Home safety audits every 3–6 months (use the checklists above)

9) When to bring in help (and what AFHCS can do)

If any of these are happening, it’s time: frequent falls, weight loss, sleep reversal, caregiver exhaustion, new behaviors (agitation, wandering), pressure‑injury risk, complicated meds, or a recent hospitalization.

• Skilled Nursing, Personal Care, Companion Care, and CNA Services – we tailor support to your goals and routines: https://afhcs.com/services

• Talk through options (no pressure): https://afhcs.com/contact • Phone 470‑982‑CARE (2273) • Email corporate@afhcs.com

• Downloadable resources & local numbers: https://afhcs.com/resources

10) Copy‑and‑save checklists

Daily 60‑second safety scan

• Pathways clear • Nightlights on • Hydration plan set • Meds taken/logged • Exit doors secured

Weekly tune‑up (10 minutes)

• Replace dim bulbs • Test smoke/CO alarms • Refill pill organizer • Review any new behaviors • Wipe up bathroom slip risks

Wandering readiness (one page on the fridge)

• Recent photo + description • Preferred places • List of meds/conditions • Emergency contacts • ID bracelet info

Works cited & helpful reading

National Institute on Aging – Caregiving hub: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving
Alzheimer’s Association – Caregiving & safety: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving
Daily care tips (Alzheimer’s Association): https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care
Wandering (Alzheimer’s Association): https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering
Sleep & Alzheimer’s (NIA): https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-and-sleep
CDC – Home Fall‑Prevention Checklist (PDF): https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/steadi-brochure-checkforsafety-508.pdf
NIA – Home Safety Checklist (PDF): https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/home-safety-checklist_0.pdf
FDA – Taking Medicines Safely: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/taking-medicine-safely
CDC – Medication Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/
Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/
AARP – Family Caregiving: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
Medical ID options: https://www.medicalert.org/
Project Lifesaver: https://projectlifesaver.org/
Georgia Aging Services (AAA locator): https://aging.georgia.gov/locations

Final word
Dementia care at home works best when it’s built around the person you love—and the caregiver who loves them. You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to help you create a plan you can live with (and stick to): https://afhcs.com/contact