Legal Documents: There are three crucial documents that need to be drawn up, ideally while your loved one can still talk coherently and represent themself: a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care, and a durable financial power of attorney. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Support System: Making a plan to share as much of your loved one’s care with others is best done sooner rather than later. You’re not asking them to become caregivers, you’re asking them to support you as a caregiver. Things like shopping and cooking a couple times a month, stepping in to take them to their appointments, or even just spending time with them while you take some time for yourself can make a huge difference. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Slow Immersion: Becoming a caregiver doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll need to slowly start taking over the jobs your loved one has always done and start small. Paying bills, cooking meals every once in a while, laundry, and driving when you go out are just a few examples. As the dementia progresses this list will grow. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Crucial Questions: The following are a few examples of great questions to ask your doctor after a diagnosis: What are some reasons for the changes I’ve seen? What medicines help with memory loss? Is there help to pay for that medicine? What services does my down have to help with care? When will things like living alone and driving become dangerous? Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Speak Plainly: It’s crucial your doctors speak plainly with you and your loved one, even when it’s difficult news to deliver. Don’t leave the doctor’s office until you feel like you know what has been said and write down things you need to remember. Avoiding miscommunications like this will save a lot of time, energy, and emotional drain in the long-run. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

What is AD?: It’s important to know that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disease of the brain, NOT a type of mental illness. This distinction can help you better understand what your loved one is going through and help you find the correct resources. The symptoms also depend on the individual, so one-size-fits-all advice may not apply to your loved one. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

The Late Stage: This stage of Alzheimer’s can last from 1 to 3 years. Their needs will change greatly during this stage. This is the time of total care, when they are no longer able to care for themselves. Making sure systems are in place to keep each day organized and consistent can positively influence this time for both you and your loved one. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

The Middle Stage: This stage of Alzheimer’s can last from 2 to 10 years. This is when your loved one will start to act differently and need someone to be with them all the time. Support groups and community resources can help make this transition easier. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

The Early Stage: This stage of Alzheimer’s may last between 2 to 4 years but can last longer in some cases. Many people don’t know they should see a doctor during this stage. Your doctor can order prescriptions that will slow down the changes in your loved one’s ability to think and talk. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Small Changes: It will become more difficult over time for them to tell you what they need or if they are in pain. Learning how to tell what they need by looking at them is a priority. Pay close attention to changes in sounds, movements, and moods. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Small Steps: Take it one step at a time. Some days will feel like a roller coaster of emotion and others will go smoothly. There’s no way to prepare, but flexing to meet each day’s needs is the first step in the right direction. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Be the Connection: If your loved one is in a nursing home, daily visits and love are the key to ensuring they get the best care. Make sure to speak up if you have any concerns. Get to know the staff and help them get to know your loved one – you’re the best connection between them. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Showing Support: Showing your support and love can be easy. Holding them, engaging in easy conversation, playing music throughout the day, and bringing them their favorite items throughout the day are just a few examples that can go a long way with your loved one. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Attention to Meals: Paying attention to the task of eating will become difficult over time. Try serving meals with different textures and colors. Using plain dishes can help the food stand out on the plate and easier to see. It’s okay if several reminders are needed. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Behavior Changes: It is normal to see your loved one transition from “active and demanding” moods to “quiet and reserved” moods. Make sure to give them time and space to sort out how they feel about things, and in the meantime focus on their baseline needs. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Eating Problems: If you’ve noticed your loved one is having problems eating, setting a routine can help. Serving meals at the same time every day helps your loved one to expect and plan to eat. Make sure the table is a calm place to eat so stressors aren’t associated with the meal. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Bath Time Privacy: Maintaining privacy while bathing is important but can be difficult for both you and your loved one to achieve. You can use a robe to keep them from feeling “uncovered” or guide them through the process from another room via verbal queues. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Making Decisions: As your loved one’s memory gets worse, even the easiest of choices can become difficult to make. To help make the choice easier, show them two options to choose from instead of offering every option. Make sure both options are suitable for their needs and what they’re needed for. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Daily Plans: Your loved one will do better if there is a plan for each day. You know more about them than anyone else in the world – use what you know to make a plan that works for them. Consider which hours they feel the most active and plan engaging activities during those times. Make sure to reserve time to relax towards the end of the day. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Checking In: If your loved one looks upset or angry, ask them how they feel. Checking in with them often keeps you updated on where they’re at and also keeps communication open so they can feel comfortable bringing it up. If they’re not sure how they’re feeling, look at their body language for insight. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Word Salad: You may notice your loved one has changed how they communicate with you. Their sentences may be shorter and choppy, the volume of their voice may have changed, and their words may not make much sense. This is called “word salad” and as you listen, focus on the big picture of what they’re saying instead of focusing on the details. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Calming Visuals: The way your loved one sees the real world around them has changed. Because they don’t see things the way you do, they act differently. It’s important to not only make the home safe for your loved one, but visually calming as well. Avoid bright or overwhelming patterns and keep track of which colors they gravitate towards or stay away from. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Take Care: Remember, as a caregiver you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Making time for yourself every day should be a top priority, even if it’s just an hour to yourself in the morning or before bed. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

When To Step In: It’s important to know when to step in and correct your loved one’s memory loss. For example, they may still know who they are, but not the time or place they live in. Most times, there is no harm in this, and correcting them will only upset them. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Family Dinners: Some of the most important aspects of caregiving can be shared with the whole family. For mealtimes, this is especially true. Making and eating dinner with everyone, even if it’s just once a month, connects your loved one and creates something for them to look forward to. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Personal Calendar: Having events to look forward to and knowing what events to prepare for can avoid meltdowns and unnecessary stress. Create a calendar that’s just for your loved one, featuring both fun events and appointments for health and wellness. Put this in an area they’ll see multiple times a day. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Change the Subject: Don’t try to reason with them on issues that don’t impact their lives long term. You will just get angry and they won’t know why. Instead, change the subject of what you’re talking about to something they like. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Keep It Simple: Use one-step instructions when explaining a task. This will decrease their frustration level and make each activity a success for them. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Safe and Independent Living: Home safety is an important part of your loved one living as independently as possible. Remove or track down loose throw rugs to keep them from tripping and falling. Keep furniture in the same spot so they can always be found. Increase the amount of light in each room to avoid shadows that look scary and to help them see better. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Listen with Your Heart: Make sure to pay attention to what your loved one is saying with both their words and their body language. If they appear agitated, it may not be a good idea to engage in difficult conversations that require them to recall information. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Avoid Misplacing Important Items: For important items, make sure there is a designated spot for them to be placed or stored. This reduces the chance of those items becoming lost or missing. For example, put a bowl on the table next to their chair and tag it as “the glasses bowl.” Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Mealtime Check-Ins: Calling at mealtimes can serve two purposes: it helps you remember to check in on your loved one, and it can give the perfect opportunity for you to remind them to eat if they’ve forgotten. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Avoid “Sundowning”: Fidgeting and acting nervous late in the day, or becoming easily upset and hard to calm down is called “sundowning.” Creating an evening routine and sticking to it can help avoid these episodes. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Moving Conversations: Your loved one may not want you to move in with them or to move in with you because they don’t want to lose their independence. Propose the idea with explanations like, “I want to spend more time with you,” or, “Money is tight and this will really help me out.” Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Time Tracking: If you notice your loved one asking the same questions over and over, it may be because they are no longer able to keep track of time. “One minute” and “one hour” may feel the same to them. Keep clocks in common areas where they are easy to see for quick reference. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

You’re Not Alone: If you’re feeling isolated or overwhelmed as a caregiver, a support group can make a huge difference in your life. They can provide perspectives you may not have considered and connect you with a bigger team of resources for you and your loved one. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Limit Distractions: Before talking to your loved one, make sure distractions are limited. Try turning off the TV or radio before you start talking. Make sure phones are on vibrate or silent so ringers don’t startle them. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

A Place to Call Home: Deciding whether you’ll move in with your loved one, you’ll have them move in with you, or you’ll find a new home that best suits their needs is incredibly difficult. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Reading Assistance: Your loved one may have trouble reading as they used to in the past, whether it’s because they no longer can recognize the words they see or they are having difficulty comprehending what they’re seeing. Instead of stepping in to read for them, ask them if it’s okay to do so. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Don’t Fill in the Blanks: If you find your loved one is struggling to find the right words to describe what they mean, it is often better to give them time to come up with the right word on their own instead of trying to help with your own suggestions to avoid them getting upset. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Resources for Working Caregivers: If you’re a caregiver who needs to keep their job during the day, these services can help: adult day care centers, adult day health care centers, respite programs, sitter programs, home health service, or your local Alzheimer’s association. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Reality Shifts: Telling the difference between what is real or not becomes increasingly difficult as dementia progresses. Limiting TV time and incorporating activities that make them aware of their surroundings can help with this. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Ensuring Mealtimes: To ensure your loved one is getting enough to eat, you may need to start going on shopping trips with them or offering to help cook meals for the week in case they forget. You will also want to find reasons to check for expired food since it may otherwise go unnoticed. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Taking the Keys: If your loved one is reluctant to give up driving, ask a trusted doctor to talk with them. Have the doctor write out, “Do Not Drive” on a prescription pad so you can pull out the note when a reminder is needed. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Focus on the Present Moment: Don’t ask them to “remember” things that happened in the past. Instead, try talking about what you remember happening and how they were a part of it. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Avoiding Refusals: Avoid situations where they can refuse care. Don’t ask, “Do you want to do this care activity?” Instead, clearly state, “We need to do this care activity for these reasons.” Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Easy Activities for Nerves: If your loved one is fidgeting and acting nervous or becoming easily upset, offer an easy activity like sorting spoons or wiping off the table. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Time Management: Allow twice the amount of time you think it will take for them to get dressed. Don’t act rushed or in a hurry. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Home Reassurance: Wanting to go “home” when they are already home means they seek to feel safe. Simple acts like reminding them where they are or a comforting hug can make a huge difference. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Preserving Memories: A great way to preserve memories is through a scrapbook or “treasure box” filled with important trinkets. While going through each item or image, provide your senior with the story for each one. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Correcting Information: Before you correct them for getting something wrong, ask yourself if it matters for them to know. It may only make them feel bad without offering a productive solution. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Consistency is Key: Keeping a daily routine provides a structure they can depend on and leaves less room for confusion. Have all the supplies ready for each task or activity and use simple terms for explanations. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Avoiding Toilet Accidents: Avoid toilet accidents by walking with them to the bathroom every 2 or 3 hours. Don’t wait for them to ask, simply state, “We need to go to the bathroom.” If toilet accidents do occur, write down the time of day they occur to better prevent future accidents. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Communication Tip: Be patient, and give them lots of time to answer your question and finish what they want to say in response. If they lose the thought, ask the same question again. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

What It Means To Pace: Pacing can indicate they are scared or unsure of where they are. To help with this, try distracting them with a different task or activity. Make sure walkways are clear to prevent falling. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Manageable Relationships: Losing the ability to grasp what people say when talking to multiple people makes it difficult to maintain relationships. Instead of keeping people away, limit the number of guests in the house at the same time, or have guests talk with them away from the crowd and noise. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

How to Handle Hallucinations: If they aren’t bothered by hallucinations, you can ignore it. However, if they become afraid of what they see and hear, consult a doctor. Have their eyesight and hearing checked. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Communication Tip: Don’t try and argue to “make your point.” They may not be able to see your point of view at all, and this will further confuse or frustrate. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Confusion From Windows: Light reflecting off windows can cause confusion. Pull down the blinds or close the curtains before you take them into a room in the evening. Make sure the string-pulls on blinds remain out of reach so legs and arms don’t get tangled in them. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Causes of Confusion: Some common reasons for agitated behavior relate to confusion–when they can’t identify their surroundings, are overwhelmed with a task, or misunderstand who they’re talking to. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Trouble Sleeping: If you have tried everything to help them sleep better and nothing has worked, it may be time for a visit with the doctor. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Communication Tip: Think about the feelings behind the words they are trying to say. Don’t guess how they’re feeling, ask them. Be patient and calm to show them you are listening. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Preventing Wandering: Prevent wandering by having all your house locks keyed to the same key and place latches up high or down low on doors leading outside. Always have them wear the ID bracelet provided by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return program. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Lost Items and Accusations: If suspicious or accusing behavior has begun because the same items keep getting lost, try keeping several on hand (for instance, two black wallets with the same information in them, three blue toothbrushes, spare glasses and favorite shirts). Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Bathing Options: Provide options during bathing time. Make sure they like the temperature of the room and water. Give them a washcloth to use and provide privacy as their ability allows. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Improving Communication: Repetitive behavior is used in most cases to look for comfort and security. Though harmless, they can make communication difficult. Try to find the reason behind the repetition and approach that instead of the repetition itself. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Communication Tip: Turn your questions into answers for them. Instead of, “Do you need to go to the bathroom?” say, “The bathroom is right over there. I can walk with you.” Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Preventing Hallucinations: Patterns on the walls, shadows on the walls from poor lighting, or reflections from mirrors or windows are common triggers for hallucinations. Instead of trying to get the hallucinations from these to stop, try to avoid them as best you can. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Avoiding the ER: Prevent emergency room visits by blocking off stairs so they can’t fall up or down them and use locked cabinets for soaps, cleaners, poisons, and medication. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

A Good Night’s Sleep: If sleeping has become a challenge, try “white noise,” like the hum of a fan or soft music, and keep them from napping during the day if you can. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Speaking Plainly: Say exactly what you need them to do. Use ordinary words. Instead of saying, “Hop in the bed,” say, “Please get in the bed.” Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Avoiding Over-Stimulation: Try to make their world simple: use plain colored placemats, bath towels, and sheets around the house and avoid patterns as much as you can. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Shoe Choices: All shoes should be easy to slip on and fasten. Consider using velcro closures or slippers with heel support. Avoid heels or any narrow shoe bottoms for stability. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Assisting with Mouth Care: Daily mouth care is essential for good levels of nutrition. To encourage this, give step-by-step instructions and offer to help at each step. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Redirecting Repetitive Questions: If they ask the same questions over and over again, help them find the answers with notes, clocks, calendars or photographs instead of repeating your direct answers. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Addressing Aggressive Behavior: If your loved one is showing aggressive behavior, it’s important to stay calm and try to figure out what is causing the episode. If you can’t, stay an arm’s length away and try again later. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Easier Sleeping Conditions: There may be a problem with sleeping that your loved one can’t express. Check if the room is too warm or too cool. Offer a snack; they may be hungry and not know it. Confusion may get worse in the dark, so try keeping a small light in the room. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Maintaining Respect and Privacy: For bathing and showering, imagine if you did not remember the person helping you with a very private act. Operate from a place of honoring privacy as much as possible. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Clothing Cues: If handling your loved one’s clothing for dressing, name each item as you hand it over to provide a cue. And never rush dressing time. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

The Importance of Warmth: Warmth is an important aspect of bathing time. Heat the room, perhaps use a towel warmer, and make sure the water is a safe and comfortable temperature. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Preventative Clothing Choices: If clothing is being removed in public, consider dressing options with zippers, snaps, or buttons in the back to make this difficult. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Post-Shower Preparation: Make sure everything is set up for after a shower or bath before heading into the bathroom. Gather towels, washcloths, robes, etc. and have them ready. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Dependable Fashion: If there is a favorite outfit, buy multiples of the same outfit for laundering in between. It doesn’t hurt to wear the same thing every day. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Bathroom Safety: Make sure that the shower or bathtub has safety equipment such as handrails, a bench or seat, and anti-slip flooring to prevent falls. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Keeping Clothing Simple: Clothing should be easy to put on and wear. Avoid complicated buttons or straps, and even ties can be difficult to manage. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Assisted Dressing: Make dressing as independent as possible, maybe helping by handing them one piece of clothing at a time. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Assisting with Teeth Brushing: When helping with teeth brushing, talk them through each of the steps and let them do as much as possible. It is okay to guide their hand if they are open to it. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Maintaining Body Heat: You can add a handheld shower sprayer to most shower heads. This makes the process easier and keeps the body warm while rinsing off. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Providing Clothing Options: When dressing someone with Alzheimer’s, offer them choices such as, “Do you want to wear your black pants or your blue pants today?” Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Repetitive Questions: Listen to their questions; is there a similar thread? Are they trying to communicate something? Remain calm and see if you can discover why they are repeating the same questions. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Realistic Hallucinations: Hallucinations associated with cognitive loss can seem very realistic. They may be frightening or they may seem like everyday events. Patting the individual on the shoulder may distract them from the hallucination. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Evening Preparations: Close blinds or curtains as evening approaches. Play soothing music or schedule it as a time for a friend or family member to call. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Limiting Decisions: Instead of offering many options, limit to two choices. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Avoiding Large Crowds: Shop during quiet times. Even large family gatherings can be overwhelming. Turn off the TV during events. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.

Maintaining a Routine: Having a familiar schedule and daily plan is comforting to individuals with cognitive decline. Contact Senior Transitions if you need help caring for your aging parent or grandparent by calling (850) 894-6720.