Dementia Resources for Caregivers and Families

Topic outline

• Clinician Reviewed VA and Non-VA Resources for Families Caring for Veterans with Dementia
  
  

  Clinician Reviewed VA and Non-VA Resources for Families Caring for Veterans with Dementia

  

  The VA GRECC-Connect team of doctors, social workers, occupational therapists, and nurses reviewed over 100 online dementia resources and selected options available to assist and support people with dementia and their families. 

  The GRECC-Connect team took care in choosing the most informative and easy to use resources in varied formats (booklet, brochure, video etc.).  The resources suggested are organized by topic and available for viewing online.  Many resources can be printed directly from the pdf or the direct link shared via email or chat.  To find out more about GRECC-Connect, visit the webpage here.  

  The GRECC-Connect team wishes to express their appreciation to the sources who provided support and information to help create this webpage.
• Dementia Overview
  
  

  Dementia Overview

  The dementia overview section provides resources that focus on general information about the disease process and diagnosis of dementia.
  
  

  • Dementia Education and Information Page
  • Non-Alzheimer's Dementias Page
  • Dementia Research Page
• Daily Activities
  
  

  Daily Activities

  The daily activities section provides resources for dementia caregivers targeting challenges with common activities.

  
  

  • Activities of Daily Living (Grooming/Bathing/Dressing etc.) Page
  • Medication Page
  • Dementia and Activity Participation Page
  • Traveling Page
  • Driving Page
  • Sex and Intimacy Page
  • Sleep Page
  • Nutrition Page
• Behavior Changes
  
  

  Behavior Changes

  

  Changes in behavior and personality are common in dementia. This section provides resources for dementia caregivers to help understand and manage those changes.

  
  

  • Anxiety and Depression Page
  • Delirium Page
  • Sundowning Page
  • Wandering Page
  • Aggression and Agitation Page
  • Hallucinations and Paranoia Page
  • Repetitive and Inappropriate Behaviors Page
• Safety
  
  

  Safety

  Keeping a loved one with dementia safe is an important element of dementia caregiving. This section provides resources for dementia caregivers on safety at home and in the community.

  
  

  • Home Safety Page
  • Firearm Safety Page
  • Falls Prevention Page
  • Emergency Preparedness Page
• Caregivers' Self Care and Support
  
  

  Caregivers' Self Care and Support

  Being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia can be challenging and overwhelming. This section provides resources that focus on your well-being and support when dealing with challenging aspects of dementia.

  
  

  • Self Care and Support Page
  • Resources and Programming Page
  • Legal, Financial, and Employment Support Page
  • Goals of Care/End-of-Life Page
  • Communication Page
  • Long-Term Placement Page
• Brain Health
  
  

  Brain Health

  The brain health section offers tips to help your brain stay sharp and active as you age.  This information can be useful for both you and your loved ones!
  

  • Brain Health Page
• Telehealth and Technology
  
  

  Telehealth and Technology

  Being a caregiver today is significantly impacted by the current shift in healthcare to telehealth models. This section provides resources on how to understand and utilize current technology and have a successful telehealth visit with your loved one with dementia.

  • Telehealth and Technology Page
• COVID-19 and Dementia Care
  
  

  COVID-19 and Dementia Care

  This section provides resources and tips for dementia caregivers on COVID-19 and how to keep their loved ones safe and engaged during the pandemic.
  

  • COVID-19 and Dementia Care Page
• Comprehensive Dementia Care Guides
  
  

  Comprehensive Dementia Care Guides

  

  If you are looking for a more detailed, comprehensive guide touching on all aspects of dementia education and caregiving, this section is for you.

  
  

  • Comprehensive Dementia Care Guides Page
• Additional Websites
  
  

  Additional Websites

  

  Beyond the specific resources suggested in the direct links above, there are other websites you can look through that can provide more dementia-related information.
  

  
  

  • Websites Page
  • Video Series Page
• Content Experts
  
  

  Content Experts

  • Content Experts Page
• Terms of Use
  
  

  Terms of Use

  • Geriatric Scholars Community Website & Materials Terms of Use Page