06/16/2026
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month. Are you caring for for someone with Alzheimer’s? Here are some essential things to know to help you provide compassionate, effective, and sustainable care:
1. Routine Is Powerful
People with Alzheimer’s do best with structure and consistency.
A daily routine helps reduce confusion, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Try to keep mealtimes, wake-up/bedtimes, and activities consistent—even minor changes can feel disorienting to them.
2. Communication Will Change—And That’s OK. Use simple, clear language, maintain eye contact, and speak calmly. Be patient with repeated questions or confusion—avoid arguing or correcting harshly. Nonverbal cues (facial expressions, tone, gestures) become more important as verbal abilities decline.
3. Safety Comes First. Install grab bars, label important areas, and consider using locks or door alarms to prevent wandering. Remove tripping hazards and keep dangerous items out of reach. As the disease progresses, driving, cooking, and medication management often need to be monitored or restricted.
4. Caregiver Burnout Is Real—You Must Take Care of You
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is emotionally and physically taxing. Respite care, support groups, and self-care are not luxuries—they're necessities. Schedule breaks, talk to someone, and get help when you need it. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
5. Plan Ahead—Early. As early as possible, talk about legal, medical, and financial plans (e.g., power of attorney, advance directives).
Involve the person with Alzheimer’s in decisions while they still can participate. Learn about available resources (Medicare, memory care programs, local Alzheimer’s support services).
More info: https://www.alz.org/
Northborough Senior Center Northborough Free Library Town of Northborough MA Alzheimer's Association
