Top Care Tips for Supporting Early-Stage Dementia

Supporting a Loved One Through Early Dementia: What Families Need to Know

When a loved one is diagnosed with early-stage dementia, it’s common for families to feel overwhelmed. The early signs of dementia can be subtle; these may include occasional confusion, difficulty remembering names, or challenges with spatial awareness. However, even these minor symptoms can significantly affect daily life and routines. Early dementia often brings a mix of emotional, financial, and lifestyle changes that impact the entire family. To learn more about navigating the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s dementia, check out Course 1.

During this stage, caregivers may still be able to leave their loved one alone for short periods, but concerns about safety, privacy, and future care plans begin to surface. For the person with dementia, the early stage is often the most emotionally difficult—they are aware of their cognitive changes and may feel embarrassed, frustrated, or even angry. For example, losing the ability to drive can feel like losing independence, leading to denial or resistance to change.

Family caregivers must also adapt quickly. As they begin to navigate dementia care, they may lose personal free time, face added responsibilities, or experience financial strain. This period is crucial for family care planning and open communication. Raising dementia awareness early helps prevent caregiver burnout and ensures safer, more compassionate support for everyone involved.

Let’s look at a real-life example of how one family handled the early signs of dementia with empathy and thoughtful action.

John’s Story: Adapting to Life After an Early Dementia Diagnosis

John, a retired high school teacher known for his love of golf, competitive card games, and quality time with his grandchildren, was diagnosed with early dementia. His daughter, Sarah, along with her husband Mike and the rest of the family, faced the diagnosis with determination and resilience. Rather than let fear or frustration take over, they collectively decided to learn about the disease, support each other, and adapt their lives together.

Despite several minor fender benders and noticeable confusion behind the wheel, John refused to give up his driving privileges. Like many in the early stages of dementia, he denied that anything was wrong and felt that his independence was being unfairly taken away.

Sarah and Mike realized the best way forward was to have an Sarah and Mike had an honest, respectful conversation. They expressed their concerns for his safety and the well-being of others, reassured him that their goal was to keep him engaged and mobile, and gently introduced alternative transportation options. They also listened to his fears, frustrations, and sense of loss.

Transitioning away from driving was not easy. It took many conversations and a series of small but meaningful changes. The family started inviting John’s friends over more often for card games so he wouldn’t feel isolated. Mike and Sarah created a driving schedule so John could still attend his favorite events. They also explored local community transportation services to give him options and flexibility.

In time, the adjustments began to feel natural. John remained socially active and enjoyed his retirement with support from a family that respected his dignity and independence. By acting early, the family improved John’s quality of life and built a strong foundation for the future.

Daily Life with Simplified Tasks and Safety Measures

1. Safety Support

To ensure John’s safety if he ever got lost or forgot where he was, Mike took a few proactive measures:

• GPS Tracker: They got him a small GPS tracker he could carry in his wallet. This allowed them to locate him quickly if he wandered off.
• ID Bracelet: John wore an ID bracelet with his name, address, and Sarah’s contact information.
• Phone Setup: They set up a location tracker, programmed his phone with unique numbers on speed dial, and saved his home address as a favorite location on a map app.

2. Simplifying Daily Tasks

To help John maintain a sense of independence while ensuring his safety, Sarah and Mike simplified various instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs):

Cooking:

• Pre-Prepared Ingredients: Sarah prepped ingredients for meals in advance, chopped vegetables, and measured spices, so John only had to follow simple steps to assemble everything.
• Visual Recipes: They created visual recipe cards with step-by-step pictures for his favorite dishes, making it easier for him to follow along.
• Slow Cooker Meals: They often used a slow cooker, where John could add the ingredients in the morning and have a hot meal ready by dinner time without much supervision.

Grocery Shopping:

• Shopping Lists: Sarah and John created shopping lists together, organizing the items by aisle to streamline the process. They used large, clear print to make John’s reading easier.
• Store Navigation: They frequently shopped at the same grocery store, where the staff were familiar with John and could assist him if needed. Mike often accompanied John, helping him locate items and reminding him of what was on the list.
• Online Shopping: Occasionally, they choose online grocery shopping with home delivery to reduce the stress and confusion associated with navigating the store. 

Managing Money:

Sarah and Mike understand that they must respect John’s independence. Many older adults may resist having someone else take over their finances. They brought up topics such as John’s future financial plans, bill payments, and housing situation. John agreed to 

• Talk about budgeting: Discuss with a financial advisor to help John develop a spending and savings plan.
• Reduce credit and debit cards: If they’re concerned about overspending, they may also want to put limits on their cards.
• Set up automatic payments: Set up standing orders or direct debits for regular bills and subscriptions.

Housework:

• • Task Breakdown: Sarah divided housework into manageable and straightforward tasks. For instance, rather than cleaning the entire kitchen, John would focus on specific actions like wiping down the counters or loading the dishwasher.
  • Checklists: They utilized checklists for daily chores, clearly outlining each step. John could mark off completed tasks on the huge calendar in the kitchen, helping him keep track of appointments and activities and providing him with a sense of accomplishment.
  • Labeling: Sarah labeled drawers and cabinets with pictures and words, making it easier for John to find items and put them away correctly.

Sarah established a routine to ensure that John ate properly, took his medication, and participated in gardening and fishing activities. By setting these routines early, Sarah and Mike also improved their time management skills.

Family dinners became meaningful times for togetherness. They encouraged John to share his teaching stories, keeping him engaged and stimulated. They also held family meetings to discuss John’s progress and adjust their approach as needed.

Sarah made sure to prioritize her own needs as well. She joined a volunteer organization called the Ladies Infinity Club, where she found comfort and support from others in similar situations. Meanwhile, Mike often took the kids out for activities, allowing Sarah some quiet time to relax and recharge.

Key Takeaways for Families Navigating Early Dementia

• Open conversations can ease the emotional toll and help your loved one feel heard and supported.
  
• Recognizing early signs such as confusion, denial, or trouble with distances is essential for safety and care planning.
  
• Losing a driver’s license is a significant milestone that must be handled with compassion and practical alternatives.
• Caregiver preparation during early dementia helps families avoid crises later and empowers everyone involved.