Navigating Dementia: When Should You Ask for Help?

If you’ve found your way to this post, chances are you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to reach out for help on the dementia journey. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or uncertain about what the next steps should be. Or perhaps you’ve been managing well, but the situation has become more complex. You are not alone.

I often receive calls from families in crisis, hoping that a short conversation will be enough to get them back on track. While sometimes a little guidance is all that’s needed, most people benefit from creating a team of support sooner rather than later. The dementia journey is not meant to be traveled alone. It’s a path that is best navigated with knowledge, resources, and—most importantly—relationships.

The Benefits of Creating a Team of Support

1. Shared Knowledge and Resources – Dementia affects every person differently. If you have met one person living with dementia, you have met one person living with dementia. Each individual’s experience with dementia is as unique as they are, shaped by their personality, history, and environment. Having a team means access to a wider range of expertise and experience. Whether it’s medical guidance, legal planning, or daily caregiving strategies, a support network can provide critical information you may not have considered.

2. Emotional and Physical Well-Being for the Care Partner – The well-being of the care partner is just as important as the well-being of the person living with dementia. A team helps prevent burnout, offering respite and emotional support to keep care partners from becoming physically and mentally depleted.

3. Consistent and Reliable Care – Life happens—illness, work obligations, and personal needs don’t pause because of caregiving responsibilities. A strong support system ensures that care continues seamlessly, even when the primary caregiver needs to step away.

4. Strength in Relationships – Dementia can be isolating, both for the person experiencing brain changes and their care partner. Engaging others fosters connection, which can improve emotional health and reduce feelings of loneliness and frustration.

5. Perspective and Problem-Solving – A trusted support network can help you see situations from different angles, making it easier to adapt to changes, address challenges, and find creative solutions.

6. Honoring the Voice of the Person Living with Dementia – Including the person living with dementia in conversations about their care is essential. A team approach ensures their preferences, goals, and values remain central to decisions, preserving their dignity and autonomy.

   
   

The Importance of Self-Compassion and Professional Support

Caring for someone living with dementia is a journey filled with love, dedication, and at times, deep exhaustion. It’s easy to feel like asking for help is a sign of failure, but in reality, it’s an act of love—both for yourself and for the person you care for. Prioritizing your own well-being allows you to continue being present and engaged in a sustainable way.

Seeking professional support can be a game-changer. Dementia care consultants, social workers, and therapists can provide guidance tailored to your unique situation. Additionally, support groups for care partners offer a safe space to share experiences, exchange advice, and receive emotional reinforcement from others who understand the journey.

The Risks of Not Asking for Help

Waiting too long to reach out for support can have significant consequences. Care partners who try to do everything alone often experience extreme stress, which can lead to physical illness, depression, and strained relationships. Without a support network, decisions may be made in crisis mode rather than from a place of thoughtful planning. The person living with dementia may feel unheard, disempowered, or disconnected when care is shaped by exhaustion rather than intention.

The Power of Relationships

At its core, dementia care is about relationships. Supportive, understanding relationships can bring joy and meaning to both the person living with dementia and their care partner. The simple act of being present, listening, and acknowledging a person’s experiences can have a profound impact on well-being.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to ask for help, take a moment to reflect: Am I feeling overwhelmed? Is my loved one receiving the care they deserve? Am I prioritizing my own well-being? If the answer to any of these is uncertain, it may be time to start building your team.

You don’t have to wait for a crisis. Take one small step today—make a list of potential support team members, reach out to a local support group, or schedule a conversation with a professional who can help guide you forward. You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out, gather your support, and take steps toward a more sustainable, compassionate path forward.

Looking for support? Reach out. Let’s navigate this together.

Additional Resources

• Alzheimer’s Association: Building a Care Team

• Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care

• Dementia Action Alliance: Person-Centered Support

• Family Caregiver Alliance: Caring for Yourself