by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
When words begin to fade, touch still speaks. For someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, human touch—especially a warm hug—can be one of the most powerful ways to say, “You are safe. You are loved. You still matter.” Why Human Touch Matters in Dementia Care...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
Editor’s Note This article was originally published in 2024 and was completely updated and expanded in July 2026 with current information, additional resources, and practical guidance for family caregivers. Most people think dementia simply means memory loss....
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
When someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia, daily life changes in so many ways. One of those is oral care — brushing, flossing, and taking care of dentures. These may sound simple, but they can become real challenges in dementia care. Good mouth care isn’t just...
by Larea Mcqueen | Safety
When most people think about Alzheimer’s or dementia, they picture memory loss or confusion. But there’s something we don’t talk about enough—how vulnerable people with dementia can be to violence, abuse, and exploitation. Their condition doesn’t just affect their...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
If your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is suddenly having accidents with their bowels, you may be wondering, Why is this happening? and What on earth do I do? Take a deep breath — you’re not alone. Bowel incontinence is one of the more common (and frustrating)...
by Larea Mcqueen | Safety
Wandering is one of the most frightening things caregivers face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It can happen in a heartbeat, even if it has never happened before. This past week, I talked with two different families whose...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
As I celebrate the milestone of my 100th article, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting caregivers like you and sharing tips, resources, and strategies to help make the...
by Larea Mcqueen | Safety
Hoarding is a common yet often overlooked challenge in dementia care. As the disease progresses, many individuals with dementia may begin to collect, store, or hold onto items in ways that can overwhelm their caregivers. Understanding why this behavior occurs and...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
When you hear someone mention dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s easy to get confused about what exactly they mean. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the distinction can help caregivers and families...
by Larea Mcqueen | Safety
As a caregiver, protecting your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia goes far beyond managing daily routines. Extreme weather conditions — whether scorching summer heat or freezing winter cold — create serious and often overlooked risks for people living with...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common, but they can have a very different impact on individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. As caregivers, it’s important to be aware of how UTIs might present themselves in our loved ones, especially since the usual...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
Alzheimer’s and dementia can be challenging journeys for both the individual and their caregivers. As these diseases progress, it can become difficult to maintain communication, manage behavior, and ensure quality of life. But there’s one powerful tool that has been...