by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
When someone with dementia refuses a bath, pushes away a meal, paces the floor, or becomes upset, it is easy to focus only on stopping the behavior. But what if that behavior is trying to tell you something? A person living with dementia may not be able to explain:...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
Dehydration can be easy to miss in someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Your loved one may not tell you, “I’m thirsty.” They may not recognize that they are thirsty. They may forget to drink, have trouble finding or using their cup, or no...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving, Safety
Dementia bathing problems can be confusing and stressful for caregivers. A person who once showered independently may suddenly refuse to bathe, insist they already took a bath, become frightened by the water, or get angry when someone tries to help. What looks like...
by Larea Mcqueen | Behavior, Caregiving, Dementia Behaviors
Changes in behavior can be one of the hardest parts of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Your loved one may suddenly start pacing. They may follow you everywhere, refuse a shower, accuse you of taking something, ask the same...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia can sometimes leave you wondering: Why does everything turn into a struggle? You may simply be trying to help Mom get dressed, remind Dad to take his medicine, or get your spouse into the shower. But...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
When someone you love is living with dementia, it can feel like they’re becoming a different person. Maybe they ask the same question over and over. Maybe they accuse you of stealing something they misplaced. Maybe they suddenly refuse to bathe, become angry...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving
Editor’s Note This article was originally published in 2024 and was completely updated and expanded in July 2026 with new nursing insights, practical caregiver tips, and current information about the benefits of humor and laughter in dementia care. One of my...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving, Medical/health
Practical Ways to Reduce Pain and Improve Comfort in Dementia Pain is common in older adults, but it is often overlooked in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is that their loved one...
by Larea Mcqueen | Caregiving, Resources
There often comes a point in the dementia journey when families begin asking one of the hardest questions of all: “Can we still safely manage this at home?” For many caregivers, this question brings guilt, fear, sadness, and overwhelm. Some families never planned on...
