You’re Not Alone!
Free Dementia Checklist for caregivers
Quick, practical support to reduce overwhelm and guide you through difficult caregiving moments.
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You’re Not Failing...
Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially when behaviours escalate. This free printable dementia guide gives you clear, compassionate strategies to help you respond with confidence, reduce stress, and feel supported even on the hardest days.
- Step-by-step approaches for managing aggressive or unpredictable behaviours.
- Learn how to prevent common triggers before behaviours escalate.
- Respond with compassion, not frustration by understanding what’s happening.
- Improve safety at home with tips for wandering and high-risk situations.
- Stop feeling alone with guidance made specifically for dementia caregivers.
WATCH & LEARN
What You’ll Get Inside the Guide
In this short video, we walk you through what’s inside the booklet “Caregivers’ Guide to Advanced Behavioural Challenges in Dementia” including who it’s for, how to use it, and how it can support you through some of the most emotionally demanding parts of caregiving.
What Caregivers Are Saying
It gave me reassurance that what I was experiencing was normal and there were things I could do to help. Very useful!
There’s so much to think about when you're caring for someone. The checklist made it easier to keep track of everything without feeling overwhelmed.
Having a simple list made things feel doable. I kept it on my phone and checked it before every appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 6 C’s are core principles that guide compassionate, effective dementia care:
Care – Providing safe, appropriate physical and emotional support
Compassion – Showing empathy, patience, and kindness
Competence – Having the skills and knowledge to meet changing needs
Communication – Using clear, calm, respectful verbal and non-verbal communication
Courage – Advocating for the person and addressing challenges proactively
Commitment – Ongoing dedication to person-centred care
There is no single answer—it depends on the stage of dementia and the individual.
Early stage: Some people may be safely left alone for short periods (1–2 hours) if they can manage basic tasks and emergencies.
Middle stage: Leaving someone alone becomes risky due to confusion, wandering, or safety issues.
Late stage: A person should not be left alone and usually requires 24-hour supervision.
A healthcare professional should assess safety regularly, as abilities can change quickly.
There is no cure, but the most effective support combines several approaches:
Early diagnosis and medical management
Consistent routines
Mental, physical, and social activity
A calm, familiar environment
Emotional reassurance and patience
Support for caregivers
Stability, understanding, and meaningful engagement make the biggest difference in quality of life.
The best care is person-centred care, meaning care tailored to the individual’s needs, preferences, and abilities. This includes:
Safe and structured environments
Respect for dignity and independence
Regular medical care and medication review
Assistance with daily activities as needed
Emotional support and social interaction
Involvement of family and trained caregivers
As dementia progresses, care may shift from home care to professional or residential care.
A daily routine helps reduce anxiety and confusion. A typical list may include:
Morning
Wake up, wash, dress
Breakfast and medications
Daytime
Light physical activity (walk, stretching)
Cognitive activity (music, puzzles, conversation)
Lunch and hydration
Rest or quiet time
Afternoon
Familiar hobbies or social interaction
Snack and fluids
Evening
Dinner
Relaxing activities
Prepare for bed and nighttime routine
Tasks should be simple, familiar, and flexible, with help provided as needed.
