Dementia & Alzheimer's Caregiver Quick Guide

Use these calm, practical steps to support daily care, safety, communication, and medication routines.

Patient nameDate updatedDoctor or clinicAppointment date

Communicate calmly

Approach from the front and say your nameUse one short question or direction at a timeOffer two simple choicesAllow extra time for an answerReassure and redirect instead of arguingReduce noise, crowds, and distractions

Keep each day safer

Keep meals, medicines, bathing, and sleep on a routineUse bright lighting and clear walking pathsLock medicines, cleaners, tools, firearms, and car keysUse identification and a wandering response planRecord every dose immediately after it is givenAsk before crushing, splitting, or hiding medicine in food

When behavior changes, check for a cause

Pain · fever or infection · constipation · hunger or thirst · poor sleep · vision or hearing problems · a new medicine or dose · too much noise or activity.

Call the healthcare team promptly for sudden or rapidly worsening confusion or behavior.

Caregiver plan

Emergency contactPharmacy phoneHealthcare team phonePerson who oversees medicines

Call 911 for immediate danger, stroke signs, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, serious injury, suspected overdose, or a missing person who may be at risk. Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900.