World Alzheimer’s Day: Why Senior Care Is Crucial For Alzheimer's Patients

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that gradually weakens memory, thinking skills and affects our cognitive powers to perform even daily tasks. Caused by complex changes in the brain, Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed in elders due to age-related cognitive decline. Senior care is crucial for Alzheimer’s patients as the condition gradually affects memory, behaviour, and daily functioning. While family members are the ultimate caregivers, trained and professional caregivers provide a safe environment for the patients to improve their quality of life.

In order to understand the importance of senior care for Alzheimer’s patients, we spoke to Ambika Chawla, Lead Psychologist at Antara Memory Care Home. She shared her insights that can help caregivers figure out the right path.

What are the most common challenges caregivers face when looking after seniors with Alzheimer’s?

As per Ambika Chawla, “Caregivers must be prepared for sudden behaviour changes such as agitation, aggression, or wandering, while providing consistent support with daily tasks like mobility, medication management, meals, and personal care. These symptoms of Alzheimer's at different stages and responsibilities call for constant vigilance, physical stamina, and a deep well of patience. Since many patients gradually lose the ability to express themselves, caregivers need to rely on intuition and the careful reading of non-verbal cues as communication dwindles.”

Beyond the daily struggles, there are larger systemic challenges:

• Coordinating with different doctors
• securing timely appointments
• finding suitable specialists
• arranging for much-needed respite care for oneself
• Financial strain is another significant burden, as the ongoing costs of memory care, medical consultations, and support services can quickly overwhelm families.

In the midst of all this, the wellbeing of caregivers themselves often goes unnoticed. Emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and a lack of strong support networks leave many struggling silently. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is not only about managing the illness but also about navigating a landscape that tests endurance, compassion, and resilience every single day.

Also Read: How To Mindfully Approach Behavioural Changes In Alzheimer’s Patients

How can families balance emotional stress while caring for a loved one with dementia?

Balancing the emotional stress of caring for a loved one with dementia begins with recognising that no single person can carry the burden alone.

“Sharing responsibilities among siblings or extended family members helps distribute the load, while respite options, such as day-care centres, trained in-home aides, or even memory care homes, provide primary caregivers with the chance to rest and recharge, without the guilt or stigma that often surrounds these choices,” suggests Ambika Chawla.

Counselling and support groups are invaluable as they offer safe spaces to share grief, frustration, and hope, while reminding families that they are not alone in this journey. Equally important is reframing expectations: shifting the focus from “fixing memory” to preserving dignity, comfort, and moments of connection can bring a profound sense of relief. Finally, small but consistent acts of self-care such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, and maintaining social ties, play a crucial role in helping caregivers remain emotionally resilient and physically healthy over the long term.

Also Read: Finding The Right Words: Communicating With A Parent Living With Memory Loss

What role does technology play in improving at-home care for Alzheimer’s disease?

From the past few years technology is becoming a quiet but powerful ally in Alzheimer’s disease care at home.

• GPS-enabled tracking devices and smartwatches offer peace of mind for families when loved ones are prone to wandering
• AI-powered medication reminders and smart pill organisers reduce the burden of constant oversight
• Motion sensors and alarms create safer living environments
• Teleconsultations cut down on exhausting and costly hospital visits
• Even simple digital tools, music therapy apps and memory games bring comfort, stimulation, and moments of joy to difficult days.

“In India, this promise is underscored by high smartphone and internet adoption, with 85%-plus households now possessing at least one smartphone, providing a strong foundation for adoption of digital health tools,” Ambika Chawla highlights.

For many Indian families with limited access to specialised memory care facilities or regular in-person consults, such scalable tech solutions can help bridge the gap between home care and healthcare systems. But, uptake also depends on awareness, digital literacy, affordability, and culturally appropriate design. Importantly, technology works best when seen as a companion, and not a substitute for human care, preserving the warmth, patience, and emotional connection that remain at the heart of dementia support.

Also Read: How Your Eye Exam Could Reveal Alzheimer’s Risk Early

How important are community support and senior care facilities for managing patients with Alzheimer’s disease?

Community support and specialised senior care facilities play an indispensable role in helping manage Alzheimer’s disease. Senior day-care centres, neighbourhood hubs and dementia-friendly cafés provide companionship, reduce stigma, and offer much-needed breathing space for families.

“Evidence shows that such centres not only ease caregiver burden but also improve the quality of life for people with dementia through structured routines, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation,” quotes Ambika Chawla.

In India, where some 7 million people live with dementia, studies highlight that caregivers with access to respite care or day-care centres report significantly lower stress and better mental health.

Also Read: Expert Speaks On The Growing Burden Of Alzheimer's Disease In India

Senior care homes designed with dementia in mind can complement family caregiving rather than replace it, ensuring seniors receive professional support while loved ones get a chance to rest and recover.

However, accessibility remains a challenge: Institutional caregiving in India is often restricted to wealthier families with monthly costs for Alzheimer’s care homes running into a few ten-thousand rupees. Scaling up affordable dementia care facilities is essential if India is to meet the growing care demands of an ageing population.

What safety measures should be taken at home for seniors with cognitive decline?

Making a home dementia-safe is a crucial step. Some Small changes can prevent major accidents like:

• Securing exits to reduce the risk of wandering
• Clearing clutter and lighting pathways to prevent falls
• Labelling doors, cupboards, and switches to make daily life easier
• Medicines, sharp objects, and cleaning products should always be locked away
• Simple kitchen solutions such as automatic gas shut-off valves can prevent dangerous incidents.
• Bathrooms deserve special attention too like non-slip mats, sturdy grab bars, and raised toilet seats can make this high-risk space much safer.

Finally, keeping emergency contacts clearly visible and ensuring access to an easy-to-use phone or alert system adds an extra layer of protection. These adjustments may seem minor, but together they create an environment where seniors can move about with greater safety and independence, also helping caregivers feel confident.