On this World Alzheimer’s Month, we want to remind you that there’s a whole world of ways to support your loved ones going through the disease. Each year during this month, people unite from all corners of the world to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.

We at Stay Home Forever are proud support and raise awareness for this important cause. We believe that by bringing attention to this disease, we can encourage more people to get screened for it and receive treatment earlier. The sooner you catch it, the better chance you have at slowing its progression or even reversing it entirely.

It can be hard to know where to start or what to do, especially when it comes to something as serious as Alzheimer’s. It can seem like it will be a never-ending battle and you’ll never get a break from it. But that doesn’t mean that taking care of yourself is any less important than taking care of them! In fact, it’s even more important.

That’s why this month, we’re talking about how you can support your loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease—and support yourself at the same time.

Understand Their Condition

The first step to supporting your loved one with Alzheimer’s is understanding what they’re going through. This means knowing what symptoms they might have, what treatments they’re taking, and how they’re feeling emotionally. The more you know about their experience and how it’s affecting them, the better equipped you’ll be to help them through it.

Offer Emotional Support

Another important thing that you can do is offer emotional support. This could mean spending time with them or just listening when they need someone to confide in. You may also find that your loved one needs help finding resources for things like doctor appointments and transportation—if so, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Be Patient

Be patient with their memory loss and confusion. They may forget where they are or what day it is, but that doesn’t mean you should forget how much they mean to you.

Do Familiar Activities

Encourage them to do activities they enjoy—it might help keep their mind off their condition for a little bit longer!

Know The Disease Doesn’t Define Who They Are

Finally, remember that Alzheimer’s doesn’t define who your loved one is as a person—it just makes them more vulnerable than usual. If anything changes about their personality or behavior that seems out of character for them (even if it seems small), don’t ignore it! Talk with them.