When a family member, like a parent, begins showing signs of dementia, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You might find yourself wondering how to best support them as their needs begin to change.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can feel heavy, but it’s not the end of special moments with your parent. Getting the right knowledge—and the right support—early on can help you and your family feel empowered.
From spotting early signs of memory loss to supporting your family member at their current home and exploring memory care options when the timing is right, this article will walk you through the process with care and compassion. You’ll learn steps you can take to support your parent with dementia and find the knowledge that puts you in control.
For a deeper dive, you can also explore the Cedarhurst® resource hub for navigating Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Dementia presents differently in everyone. As Tara Burrow, Cedarhurst Director of Engagement and Education puts it, “Depending on the type of dementia, different parts of the brain are affected, which results in changes to our reasoning center, as well as our personality and communication center. However, most people think of the disease as merely forgetting information, when in fact it is much more than just memory loss.”
Learning about these common signs can put you in a position of power to best assist your parent and ensure they remain safe:
Recognizing these patterns is vital because living arrangements that were once safe, including living alone, can quickly become a risk factor. Physical safety is a major concern; the Alzheimer’s Association notes that 6 in 10 people living with dementia will wander, which can happen at any stage.
However, physical safety is only one piece of the puzzle. Social isolation can increase an older adult’s risk of functional decline. By keeping a journal of patterns to identify what triggers stress or brings comfort, you can better understand your aging family member’s unique needs and find the care options that are right for them.
We encourage you to print out this checklist for spotting and monitoring the early signs of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia:
Even as your family member’s needs change, you can be a source of consistency, whether caring for them at their home or moving them into your own home for extra support. Taking on a caregiving role is complicated, but these small shifts in your daily interactions can make a big difference for both of you.
Building a consistent daily routine provides a feeling of safety. This structure helps reduce anxiety and keeps your family member from feeling overwhelmed by the unknown.
Help your family member maintain their independence by narrowing down choices. Something as simple as offering two outfits instead of a full closet, or using labels on kitchen cabinets, can make life much easier.
Communication is more about connection than being "correct." Corrections in conversations can create more confusion and distress. If your parent becomes confused about the past, try to validate the emotion behind what they are saying. Acknowledging their need for comfort or safety builds trust and reduces distress.
Look for social opportunities and daily events that align with their hobbies. This fosters a sense of belonging and ensures they still feel like an active participant in their own life.
At some point, you may find that your parent’s current living situation is no longer a good fit. Even if your family has differing views on the best course of action, beginning the conversation early is the best way to honor your parent’s voice. It allows you to explore care options together, turning a difficult decision into a shared plan.
When it comes to discussing the future, keep the following in mind:
For a full guide to having the conversation about senior living with family, explore the guide, Having the Conversation About Senior Living.
It’s often much easier to explore your options before a move becomes an urgent necessity. As Burrow says, "Some find that transitioning into a care community earlier, while their family member can still build relationships and get comfortable, actually makes the experience much more positive. It becomes less about crisis and more about quality of life."
Use this list as a guide for what to look for and which questions to ask during your visit:
Cedarhurst believes in being transparent about the costs of senior living so you can plan with confidence. When evaluating your options, consider:
You are not alone in this journey. Finding the perspectives of other adult children, caregivers, and experts can provide the reassurance you need.
Building your knowledge base is the first step toward feeling empowered. Use the following resources during this journey:
Sometimes, hearing someone else's story is the best way to find comfort:
Connecting with people who truly understand your experience can reduce the feeling of isolation. Seek out others in the following:
Navigating these next steps can be a difficult and emotional process for your entire family. However, you don't have to do it alone—gathering the right information and connecting with supportive community resources can help you move forward.
To start planning for a more supported future, download the Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care today.
*Originally published June 2021. Revised April 2026.
Tara Burrow is director of engagement and education at Cedarhurst Senior Living. With more than 24 years of experience as a licensed healthcare professional, Tara oversees Cedarhurst’s Life Enrichment program to ensure communities provide personalized engagement that promotes a continued sense of purpose and joy for residents.