Caring for a loved one with dementia is a profound act of love and commitment. However, transitioning to full-time caregiving can feel overwhelming. You’re not just stepping into a new role—you’re embarking on a journey filled with challenges, emotional hurdles, and moments of joy. In this post, we’ll guide you through what to expect, how to prepare, and share practical tips to ease this transition.

Recognizing the Need for Full-Time Care

One of the hardest parts of caregiving is knowing when to step into a full-time role. It often starts small—helping with bills, organizing medication, or reminding your loved one of appointments. Over time, you might notice signs that part-time support is no longer enough:

• Safety Concerns: Your loved one forgets to turn off the stove, starts wandering at night, or is unable to respond appropriately if there is an emergency.
• Difficulty with Daily Tasks: They struggle with dressing, bathing, or preparing meals.
• Medical Needs: Health complications or medication management becomes more complex.

Example: My friend Michelle recognized the shift when her dad, left his house in the middle of the night, thinking he needed to “go to work.” After hours of searching, they found him unharmed but disoriented at a nearby park. That moment made it clear he could no longer be left alone.

Before diving into the planning stage, it’s essential to fully understand what it means to be a full-time dementia caregiver. This role goes beyond occasional help and becomes a daily commitment to meeting your loved one’s ever-changing needs.

What Does Full-Time Caregiving Entail?

Full-time caregiving involves taking responsibility for almost every aspect of your loved one’s life, such as:

• Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
• Safety Monitoring: Preventing wandering, falls, or other accidents.
• Medical Management: Administering medications, attending doctor’s appointments, and monitoring health changes.
• Emotional Support: Providing companionship and reassurance to reduce anxiety or confusion.
• Household Tasks: Managing laundry, meals, and household chores to create a stable environment.

Unlike part-time caregiving, where you may step in for a few hours or specific tasks, full-time caregiving means being available around the clock. This level of care can be physically and emotionally taxing, which is why preparation and support are so crucial.

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time. While early stages may only require occasional reminders and supervision, the later stages often involve full dependency on the caregiver for daily tasks.

• Early Stage: Your loved one may still function independently but may need help with organization, memory aids, and safety measures.
• Middle Stage: Tasks like dressing, meal prep, and managing emotions often require hands-on support. Behavioral changes, like agitation or confusion, may also emerge.
• Late Stage: Full care becomes necessary as mobility declines and communication becomes limited. Your loved one may need help with feeding, hygiene, and managing medical issues like bedsores or infections.

Example: Consider the journey of a caregiver named Sara. At first, she only visited her father weekly to help with errands. As his dementia progressed, he began forgetting to eat and struggled to dress himself. Eventually, he needed round-the-clock care, prompting Sara to transition to full-time caregiving.

Understanding these realities helps frame what lies ahead and prepares you to adapt as your loved one’s needs evolve. With this foundation, you can move forward into the planning phase with clarity and confidence. Learn more about “How to Navigate the Different Stages of Dementia” HERE

Evaluating Your Readiness

Before you dive into full-time caregiving, take a moment to assess your readiness. Ask yourself:

• Do I have the physical, emotional, and financial capacity for this role?
• What support systems are available to me?
• How will this impact my relationships, career, and personal life?

Tip: Have open conversations with family members about dividing responsibilities. Even small contributions—like running errands or providing occasional respite—can make a big difference.

Preparing Your Home

A dementia-friendly environment can reduce stress and prevent accidents. Consider:

• Safety: Install grab bars in the bathroom, secure rugs to prevent tripping, and use locks or alarms on doors to prevent wandering.
• Organization: Label drawers and cabinets for easy identification.
• Comfort: Create a calming space with familiar photos and items.
• Supplies: Learn what equipment and supplies you may need as dementia progressess.

Example: One caregiver shared how placing a brightly colored toilet sign on the bathroom door helped her father find his way during moments of confusion.

Securing Resources

Transitioning to full-time caregiving doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Explore:

• Financial assistance programs like Medicaid waivers or veteran benefits.
• Find individual state information HERE.
• Local adult day care programs for social interaction and respite.
• Tools like the Alzlog app, which can track your loved one’s dementia-related changes and help you prepare for each stage.

Managing Your Emotions

Caregiving comes with a mix of emotions—guilt, grief, frustration, and love. It’s important to prioritize self-care:

• Set boundaries to avoid burnout.
• Take short breaks, even if it’s just 15 minutes of quiet time.
• Reach out to a support group where others understand your struggles.

Supporting Your Loved One

Dementia can alter personalities and behaviors, but meeting them with empathy goes a long way. For example:

• If they become agitated, try redirecting their attention to a favorite song or activity.
• When they repeat questions, answer patiently, even if it’s for the tenth time.

Building a Support Network

No one can do this alone, nor should they. Ask for help from:

• Family and Friends: Delegate tasks like grocery shopping or meal prep.
• Professional Services: Home health aides can lighten the load.
• Community Groups: Online or in-person caregiver groups can provide emotional support and practical advice.

Example: When my friend transitioned to full-time caregiving for her mother, she initially resisted asking for help. But when her health started to decline, she realized she couldn’t do it all. A neighbor volunteered to run errands, and her church group pitched in with meals. The difference was life-changing.

Patience is essential in dementia caregiving. Your loved one’s actions, like repeating questions or forgetting familiar things, aren’t intentional—they’re symptoms of the disease. Responding with patience helps create a calmer, more supportive environment.

Tips for Building Patience

1. Pause and Breathe: Take a moment before reacting.
2. Reframe Your Thinking: Their behavior isn’t a choice; it’s the disease.
3. Set Routines: Structure reduces confusion and challenging behaviors.
4. Learn More: Understanding dementia helps you anticipate challenges and respond with empathy.

Example: One caregiver gave her father a clipboard to “check” the house lights when he insisted on “going to work” each evening. This simple, patient approach eased his anxiety.

If you need help developing more patience, my Understanding Dementia Course can help. Learn more here.

Patience grows with time and knowledge—both are invaluable in this journey.

Establishing Routines

Routines provide structure and comfort for someone with dementia. For example:

• Set regular times for meals, activities, and bedtime.
• Include moments of joy, like listening to their favorite music or taking short walks.

Handling Challenging Behaviors

When difficult moments arise, staying calm can make a big difference. If your loved one becomes upset:

• Speak in a soothing tone.
• Use short, clear sentences.
• Validate their feelings before offering reassurance.

Learn more about Dementia Behaviors HERE.

As dementia progresses, care needs will evolve. Start planning now for the future:

• Medical Needs: Consult doctors about what to expect in advanced stages.
• Care Settings: Consider whether professional care (e.g., memory care facilities) may become necessary.
• Legal and Financial Planning: Establish power of attorney and review wills or trusts. Learn more about the impact of dementia on your finances HERE.

Example: A caregiver once shared how planning ahead allowed her to move her husband into a memory care facility when her health could no longer sustain full-time caregiving. The transition was smoother because she had prepared for when she would no longer be able to care for him at home.

Conclusion

Becoming a full-time caregiver is one of the most selfless acts you can do. While it’s undoubtedly challenging, there will be moments of connection, joy, and deep love that make it worthwhile. Celebrate small victories, cherish the time you have, and remember that you’re not alone.

Transitioning to full-time dementia caregiving requires planning, patience, and a strong support network. By recognizing the signs, preparing your home, and leaning on resources, you can navigate this journey with resilience and compassion.