How to keep your loved one safe, find caregiver support in BC, and reduce stress along the way
Understanding Alzheimer's
People across the globe are increasingly reflecting on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. There’s a growing movement to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and support those living with dementia, including the families, care partners, and health professionals who walk alongside them every day. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is more than memory loss, it affects communication, behaviour, and independence. Although not everyone will develop Alzheimer's as they age, it’s something that many Canadians will face, eitherdirectly or through a loved one.
Raising awareness is a chance to learn more about dementia and share that knowledge with others. It’s also an opportunity to support dementia-friendly communities and encourage empathy and understanding. Knowing what Alzheimer’s entails can help you prepare your home and your approach to care.
In this blog, we’ll cover three key areas to help support someone living with Alzheimer’s:
- How to make your home safer for someone with Alzheimer’s,
- The support services available in British Columbia,
- And how caregivers can take care of their own well-being in the process.
How can I make my home safer for someone with Alzheimer’s?
Creating a safe and supportive home for someone living with Alzheimer’s involves more than basic fall prevention.The disease can affect memory, judgment, and perception. Safety measures should therefore be proactive, flexible, and tailored to changing needs. Here are some practical strategies:
General Home Safety Tips
- Clear walkways of clutter and secure or remove scatter rugs to reduce tripping hazards.
- Add extra lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms, and place night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms so your loved one can move safely in the dark.
- Install locks on cabinets containing medications, cleaning supplies, tools, or sharp objects, and lock away alcohol, cigarettes, and lighters to reduce risks.
- Use childproof outlet covers and secure loose cords to baseboards.
- Post emergency numbers clearly near phones and check smoke alarms regularly, as someone with Alzheimer’s may not respond to danger cues.
- Install secure locks on exterior doors and windows, ideally out of sight to prevent wandering.
- Use door alarms, bells, or motion sensors to alert you if someone is trying to leave.
Room Adjustments
- Kitchen: Remove stove knobs or use an automatic shut-off device. Lock drawers with knives or cleaning products.
- Bathroom: Install grab bars, use non-slip mats, and lower water heater temperature to prevent burns.
- Bedroom: Use intercoms or monitors for nighttime supervision. Avoid electric blankets or heating pads.
- Living areas: Place stickers or markers on glass doors or large windows to prevent confusion. Hide remote controls or electronics if they cause frustration.
Creating a secure space isn’t about restriction. It helps your loved one move confidently and with dignity, while giving you peace of mind. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. What feels safe today may not be safe in a few months. Make it a habit to check the home regularly as abilities and behaviours change, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a home safety specialist or your local Alzheimer’s support service for guidance along the way.
How can I care for myself while caring for my loved one with Alzheimer’s?
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be both meaningful and exhausting. Many caregivers quickly find that without proper self-care, their mental, physical, and emotional health can start to decline. Looking after yourself isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for sustaining your ability to care for someone else over the long term.
Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Health
- Set boundaries between caregiving and personal time, even if it’s just stepping away for a few minutes to decompress.
- Acknowledge and process your emotions, including guilt, grief, and frustration. These feelings are common and valid.
- Engage in therapy or counseling if you’re feeling overwhelmed, many caregivers benefit from talking to someone who can help them process the emotional toll caregiving can take.
Maintain Physical Wellness
- Make time for movement and exercise, such as walking, stretching, or yoga. Even light activity can boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Pursue hobbies or small pleasures, like reading, gardening, listening to music, or anything that feels like “you.”
- Fitness trackers or wellness apps can help you track sleep, stress, and overall health. Even small reminders, like drinking water or taking a deep breath, make a noticeable difference.
Stay Connected for Support
- Connect with others, friends, neighbors, or support groups, who understand what you’re going through. Feeling alone can make the caregiving load feel even heavier.
- Join online communities where caregivers share tips, encouragement, and stories. Even a brief conversation with someone who gets it can be uplifting.
- Seek out professional and community-based resources, from counseling services to financial assistance or caregiver stipends. Some programs may also offer flexibility through your employer or local Alzheimer’s organizations.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is one of the hardest things a person can take on, emotionally, physically, and mentally. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stretched thin or unsure of what to do next. That’s why your approach to self-care needs to evolve as well. Even small moments to breathe, ask for help or talk to someone can make a noticeable difference. Prioritize your well-being not just as a caregiver, but as a whole person, and remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
What support services are available for Alzheimer’s caregivers in British Columbia?
Being a caregiver can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. British Columbia offers a variety of Alzheimer’s caregiver support programs, services, and financial supports that can lighten the load and provide essential assistance.
Key resources include:
- Alzheimer Society of BC: Offers free support for anyone affected by dementia, such as guidance on care, daily life, planning, and community resources. Every call is confidential, and the helpline can be reached at 604-681-8651 or via toll-free numbers for multiple languages, including English: 1-800-936-6033.
- Family Caregivers of British Columbia (FCBC): supports over a million caregivers across the province, offering one-on-one emotional support, educational resources, support groups, and health system navigation. Caregivers can also reach out to the BC Caregiver Support Line at 1-877-520-3267 for personalized assistance, including referrals, healthcare navigation, emotional support, and access to webinars and caregiver resources.
- MedicAlert® Safe & Found Program: helps protect individuals who may wander, using a special blue MedicAlert ID. First Responders can access vital health and caregiver information through a 24/7 hotline, helping ensure safe reunions. This program has proven highly effective, with 91% of wandering incidents resolved safely. Care partners can learn more or enroll by calling 1-877-217-7449.
- Apple Devices and AirTags: For those who prefer wearable technology, devices like Apple Watches offer fall detection and location tracking through the “Find My” app. For those who may not consistently wear devices, small trackers like Apple AirTags can be discreetly placed in shoes or personal items. These tools can complement traditional programs to provide extra peace of mind.
- Fraser Health-7 Numbers for Early Dementia: Fraser Health has created an infographic poster highlighting seven important phone numbers and contacts for early dementia support. This resource helps caregivers and individuals quickly access information, services, and guidance within BC.
- Canada Caregiver Credit: a non-refundable tax credit that can help reduce the amount of tax you owe. If you care for someone with a physical or mental impairment who relies on you for support by providing regular care such as food, shelter, or clothing, you may be eligible for the Canada Caregiver Credit. Depending on your relationship to the person you care for, their age, circumstances, and income, you may be able to claim between $2,616 and $8,375 through the Canada Caregiver Credit.
- Home and Community Care: Services in BC, both publicly subsidizes and private, that support people who need help with daily activities due to health challenges. These services include in-home care, adult day programs, short-term facility stays, and overnight respite, giving your loved one care and engagement while giving you a chance to recharge. Eligibility is based on assessed needs and some services may be provided at no cost depending on income and circumstances.
- Vancouver Overnight Respite Program: provides a safe, comfortable environment for your loved one. Located at 2711 East 49th Ave in Vancouver, this program offers private rooms, nursing care, and engaging activities for guests.
These resources provide practical support to help caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s in BC navigate challenges and get the help they need.
Key Takeaways for Care and Support
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and evolving journey that affects both the individual and their caregivers. Using practical strategies, self-care, and trusted resources helps families create safer, more manageable environments. This also supports caregivers in maintaining their own well-being. Early planning, ongoing education, and community support ensure both the person with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers navigate the disease with confidence and compassion.
