12 Resources and Tools for Dementia Caregivers
Nov 01, 2024
November is National Family Caregivers Month. In the US, there are approximately 53 million adults caring for a spouse, elderly parent or relative, or special-needs child. This month, we wanted to acknowledge, support and honor these hardworking, compassionate individuals and the vital care they give. Dementia can be an especially challenging condition for which to provide care. Below is a list of 12 various resources to support dementia caregivers. Many of them are engaging activities focused on infusing more joy into the day for people living with dementia. When a person with dementia is meaningfully engaged throughout the day, it can help decrease anxiety and challenging behaviors. This in turn benefits the caregiver in many ways, such as easing stress.
1. Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. The Association provides a free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) staffed by master's-level clinicians and specialists, providing confidential support and information to all those affected by dementia, in over 200 languages. The Association provides no-cost face-to-face and virtual support groups and educational programs. Additionally, online resources, such as ALZConnected® and ALZNavigator™, provide a suite of tools and forums to navigate any stage of dementia, memory-loss or caregiving. The Alzheimer's Association has more than $430 million invested in 1,110 active research projects in 56 countries that advance dementia science, improve clinical practice and increase access to critical care and support services for individuals and families.
2. Be Light Care
Be Light Care Consulting produces short-form video content that provides practical daily care tips for dementia caregivers. All videos are 90 seconds or less, making them easily accessible and immediately applicable. Founded by Adria Thompson, a speech-language pathologist, Be Light Care aims to improve the lives of people with dementia by empowering caregivers with free, effective care strategies available on social media. Find Adria on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @belightcare
3. Dementia Darling
Carrie Aalberts, MS aka Dementia Darling is a full-time advocate and educator for the dementia community, focused on fighting the tragedy narrative in dementia care. Through her social media presence, she has created a safe space for dementia caregivers to find education, resources, and encouragement. Carrie offers dementia caregiving educational sessions, speaking events, and more. Follow Carrie on Instagram! (Dementia Darling has been previously featured on our blog - check it out here!)
4. Geri-Gadgets
Geri-Gadgets® was founded by Angela Fairhurst, inspired by her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother with Lewy Body Dementia. Seeing how sensory engagement improved her mother’s well-being and behaviors, Angela developed Geri-Gadgets® to bring meaningful connection and joy to others. Geri-Gadgets® come in three silicone buckets featuring activities like flower arranging, shapes sorting, and tactile fidgets, designed to stimulate cognitive and motor skills while providing caregivers with safe, effective tools for engagement. With vibrant, easy-to-see colors, built-to-last non-toxic materials, and dishwasher-safe construction, these tools offer lasting benefits and peace of mind for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
5. Joy for All
Ageless Innovation develops products aimed at enhancing quality of life for older adults through interactive play. Their "Joy for All" Companion Pets and games provide comfort and combat loneliness, particularly benefiting those with cognitive impairments such as dementia. These products, rooted in research, have proven positive effects on social isolation and well-being. Ageless Innovation focuses on blending technology with empathetic design to support joyful and meaningful aging experiences.
6. Mirador
Mirador Magazine is an accessible publication created for people experiencing dementia or other brain change. We recognize the life experience of our readers and celebrate their interest in the world by providing a variety of content in our magazine. Our ad-free pages include positive short features on nature, science, history, art, and the people who share their talents with all of us. We also include a handful of activities to be enjoyed together or independently. We currently offer singles and sets and will be resuming a subscription option shortly! (Mirador has been previously featured on our blog - check it out here!)
7. Nana’s Books
NANA'S BOOKS is bringing art and soul to dementia care through their thoughtfully curated collection of 40 large-format books that combine familiar artwork and photography with cherished poetry and verse to create moments of joy for caregivers and their loved ones. Intentionally designed support easy sharing, these books transport readers and listeners to realms of beauty, meaning, and nostalgia. Available in print and digital formats, they draw on spiritual themes to awaken the soul and spark heartfelt conversation. These resonant books are sure to become a beloved resource for meaningful engagement all year round, in care settings of every kind. Nana's Books can be found on Amazon under author Laurette Klier or purchased directly at nanasbookseries.com.
8. Relish
Relish began in 2008 by Ben Atkinson-Willes when he realized the need for age-appropriate, dementia-friendly activity products. Relish has grown to a company known around the world for their dementia-friendly approach to activity products leading to joyful experiences and fulfilling engagement. Products include jigsaw puzzles, arts & crafts, games, brain teasers, and sensory toys. Relish is continually creating new products in order to offer variety and to meet the wellbeing needs of those living with dementia. (Relish has been previously featured on our blog - check it out here!)
9. Singing at Home
Singing at Home is Bridgetown Music Therapy’s Virtual Music Engagement Program for aging individuals living at home and their caregivers. Created by a board-certified music therapist and certified dementia practitioner, the program is designed specifically for older adults living with dementia. Singing at Home members enjoy unlimited 24/7 access to the extensive on-demand video library of 300+ therapeutic music sessions. The program promotes singing, rhythm and movement, gentle stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation — activities which can help ease the effects of dementia and other aging-related challenges.
10. Teepa Snow
Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) was founded by Teepa Snow in 2006 and is now working to radically transform the experience of dementia in over thirty countries worldwide. PAC provides online and in-person support, training, and products to professionals, family members, the lay public, and people living with brain change. Please visit TeepaSnow.com to learn more and join us in improving the culture of dementia care.
11. The Caregiver’s Advocate book
Heartfelt Insights & Wisdom: A caregiver’s support guide!
The Caregiver’s Advocate is authentic healing—real stories and insightful tools that get straight to the business of supporting the people taking care of those in need. From practical tools like music, eldercare planning, and legal knowledge to bathing and navigating vacations and sensory changes, this book will give you the hope, inspiration, and strategies to care and also keep yourself energized, happy, and sane. When caregivers thrive, we bring hope, happiness, health, and dignity to the world instead of burnout. This is a village you’ll be grateful to have at your fingertips for the rest of your life.
12. Zinnia
Zinnia is therapeutic TV for dementia care. We support people living with dementia and reduce caregiver stress through a platform of research backed videos intentionally built to be digestible by and engaging for people living with dementia. Family and professional caregivers use our tools to reduce agitation, ease activities of daily living and promote connection and joy. Zinnia is easily accessible on a subscription basis via apps for mobile devices and connected TVs. (Zinnia has been previously featured on our blog - check it out here!)
Dear Dementia Caregiver,
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible strength and compassion you bring into the life of your loved one. The care you give is truly meaningful, and the impact of your love goes far beyond what words can capture. You are providing comfort, dignity, and, above all, love, even when it’s difficult. I know it’s not easy, but we’re cheering you on, and we’re here to support you. What you do is invaluable, and you're amazing. You are seen, you are loved, you are valued. You are important! We love you, Dementia Caregivers! 💜
