Dementia Care at Home: Practical Tips & Best Practices for Supporting a Loved One

By Companion Care Home Care – Serving Cranberry Township, PA, Columbus, OH, Canfield, OH & East Liverpool, OH

Caring for someone with dementia is a journey filled with love, patience, and challenges. Whether you’re a family member supporting a loved one or a professional caregiver working with a client, understanding best practices in dementia care can make daily life safer, calmer, and more meaningful for everyone involved.

At Companion Care Home Care, we proudly provide non-medical dementia home care services to families in Cranberry Township, PA; Columbus, OH; Canfield, OH; and East Liverpool, OH. We believe dementia care is about more than tasks—it’s about connection, dignity, and consistency.

Below are practical, proven tips to help you provide compassionate, effective dementia care at home.

1. Understand Dementia Is More Than Memory Loss

Dementia affects thinking, communication, emotions, and behavior—not just memory. A person may struggle with:

  • Word-finding or understanding instructions

  • Changes in mood or personality

  • Confusion about time or place

  • Difficulty with daily routines

Best practice:
Meet the person where they are today, not where they used to be. What worked last month may not work now—and that’s okay.

Families seeking dementia home care in Cranberry Township, PA or Columbus, OH often tell us that understanding this shift makes a world of difference.

2. Create a Calm, Predictable Routine

People living with dementia thrive on structure and familiarity. Predictable routines reduce anxiety and agitation.

Helpful tips:

  • Keep meals, bathing, and bedtime consistent

  • Use gentle reminders instead of rushing

  • Limit unnecessary noise and overstimulation

Caregivers providing in-home dementia care in Canfield, OH and East Liverpool, OH often see improved mood and cooperation when routines stay consistent.

3. Communicate with Patience and Clarity

Communication changes as dementia progresses, but connection remains essential.

Best practices for communication:

  • Speak slowly and clearly

  • Use simple sentences and one-step directions

  • Maintain eye contact and a calm tone

  • Avoid correcting or arguing

If a loved one is confused, it’s often better to redirect rather than correct—a core approach used by our Companion Care caregivers.

4. Focus on Safety Without Taking Away Independence

Safety is critical, but dignity matters just as much.

Home safety considerations:

  • Remove tripping hazards and clutter

  • Ensure good lighting, especially at night

  • Use labels or visual cues on doors and cabinets

  • Monitor stove use and medications

Our non-medical home care services in Cranberry Township, PA, Columbus, OH, Canfield, OH, and East Liverpool, OH focus on supporting independence while keeping clients safe in their own homes.

5. Respond to Behaviors with Compassion

Agitation, wandering, or repeated questions are forms of communication—not “bad behavior.”

Ask yourself:

  • Are they tired, hungry, or overstimulated?

  • Are they in pain or uncomfortable?

  • Is something unfamiliar causing stress?

Understanding the “why” behind behaviors is a key part of professional dementia caregiving.

6. Engage the Mind and Heart

Meaningful activities can reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for those living with dementia.

Dementia-friendly activities include:

  • Listening to familiar music

  • Looking through photo albums

  • Folding laundry or simple household tasks

  • Gentle walks or light movement

  • Conversation about long-term memories

Our caregivers providing dementia companion care in Columbus, OH and surrounding communities focus on purposeful engagement—not just supervision.

7. Take Care of the Caregiver

Caregiver burnout is real—especially for families supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Caregiver reminders:

  • Accept help when it’s offered

  • Take breaks without guilt

  • Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and emotional support

Professional in-home dementia care services can give family caregivers the rest and peace of mind they deserve.

How Companion Care Home Care Supports Dementia Clients

At Companion Care Home Care, we provide trusted non-medical dementia care to families across Cranberry Township, PA; Columbus, OH; Canfield, OH; and East Liverpool, OH.

Our trained caregivers:

  • Provide patient, individualized dementia support

  • Maintain routines and familiar environments

  • Offer companionship and emotional reassurance

  • Assist with daily activities while honoring dignity

We don’t just care for clients—we care about them.

Special Support for Veterans & Their Spouses 🇺🇸

Many families don’t realize that veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for FREE in-home care hours.

Companion Care Home Care is fully credentialed to assist veterans and their families in accessing VA-funded non-medical home care benefits, which can include no-cost care hours for qualifying individuals.

If you or your loved one is a veteran, call us to learn more about eligibility and available benefits—we’re happy to guide you through the process.

We’re Here to Help

Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

If you need assistance caring for your loved one, or would like to learn more about FREE care hours for veterans or their spouse, please call Companion Care at
📞 412-376-7636.

Our team is happy to answer your questions and discuss dementia home care options available in Cranberry Township, PA, Columbus, OH, Canfield, OH, and East Liverpool, OH.

Final Thoughts

Dementia care is not about controlling the disease—it’s about supporting the person living with it. With patience, understanding, and the right in-home care support, home can remain a place of comfort, familiarity, and love.

Companion Care Home Care is honored to serve families—and those who served our country—every step of the way.

Grand Opening of Our Columbus, Ohio Location!

Introducing Our New Location in Columbus, OH & Courtney Simmons, CEO/Partner

We are delighted to announce the opening of our newest location in Columbus, Ohio! This expansion allows us to provide our exceptional care services to even more families in the area. As we embark on this new chapter, we want to introduce you to Courtney Simmons, the passionate owner and manager of our Columbus, Ohio territory.

Courtney's journey has been shaped by her unwavering dedication to serving others. With a degree in Family Studies from Kent State University, she initially pursued a career in social work. However, her path eventually led her to a corporate HR role. Following the birth of her child, she found her true calling in promoting family health and wellness. Inspired by her own experience, Courtney started FIT4MOM - a business, empowering women in motherhood.

When the challenges of Covid-19 emerged, Courtney took a break to prioritize her family. During this time, she discovered a deep calling to continue serving those in need. In 2021, she ventured into providing companion care for seniors. Courtney and her team aim to become an extended part of your family, delivering personal and heartfelt care to your loved ones. To her, providing service is a ministry, and she is thrilled to expand our territory in Columbus, offering your family the highest quality of care.


At our new Columbus location, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our clients. We understand the importance of trust and reliability when it comes to caring for your loved ones. Our team, led by Courtney, shares a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. We strive to provide the highest quality of care and support, ensuring that your family receives the attention and compassion they deserve.

We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in Columbus and look forward to serving the community with our exceptional care. Stay tuned for updates, stories, and tips on how to enhance the lives of your loved ones. We are excited to be a part of your journey!

The Latest Fall News!

World Alzheimer's Month
Each
September, 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. At Companion Care, we cater to all senior needs, including Memory Care. As a Dementia Practitioner, I enjoy every moment supporting satiety in life for others and am here to answer any questions you may have about navigating this diagnosis.

Fall Hiring
Our team is growing and I'm always looking for empathetic, kind caregivers to join our team! Especially with the holidays approaching! Do you know anyone who is looking for a job with flexible hours and competitive hourly wages? Let us know!
We're also happy to supply you with fliers to help spread the word.

Food Bank

We're beyond grateful to give back to our Ohio communities with our non-profit food bank. Know someone in need of a food bag or would like to make a donation to help supply this service? Call us at 412-376-7636 for information! 

Welcome Baby Roman!

As the vibrant colors of autumn start to paint our surroundings, we bring you a heartfelt newsletter filled with updates, services, and stories that warm our hearts. At Companion Care, we're dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors through compassionate companionship, and we're thrilled to share a glimpse into our journey.

The Companion Care family is growing, and our hearts are bursting with joy! Join us in congratulating our Founder/Owner, Brittany, and her partner, Jacob, Companion Care’s Finance Director, on the arrival of their precious bundle of joy. Just as we extend care to families, our own family is expanding, and we're delighted to celebrate this beautiful milestone. Wishing Brittany and Jacob all the happiness in the world as they embark on this incredible journey of parenthood.

At Companion Care, we understand the unique needs of seniors, and we're here to offer personalized companionship and support. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a comfortable and nurturing environment for your loved ones. If you or someone you know requires a personalized care plan for a senior in your life, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 412.376.7636. Let's ensure their well-being is a top priority.

Want to hear from those who've experienced the Companion Care difference firsthand? Explore our reviews to read about the transformative impact we've had on seniors and their families. Visit our website to be inspired by their heartwarming testimonials.

Happy Summer!

As the warm embrace of summer envelops us, we at Companion Care would like to wish you a happy summer! This time of year reminds us to embrace the joys of life and take care of ourselves and our loved ones. We are excited to inform you of our caregiver opportunities, provide valuable tips, and highlight a likeminded company to ensure a vibrant and healthy summer for seniors and individuals of all ages.

Expanding Our Compassionate Team - Caregivers Wanted!

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate caregivers to join our team. Know someone who is looking for a summer job? We’d love to train them! We offer competitive hourly wages and flexible hours! Call us at 412-376-7636 to learn more.

Tips for a Healthy Summer

As an expecting mother and home care business owner, I am compelled to share these tips that I will be staying on top of this summer! Please join me!

Stay Hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of water, and for those with dietary restrictions, consider consuming hydrating fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.

Protect Yourself from the Sun: Exposure to the sun's rays can be harmful to both seniors and individuals of all ages. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF, use protective clothing like hats and sunglasses, and seek shade during the peak hours of sunlight. It is particularly important for seniors to take precautions due to their heightened sensitivity to heat and potential skin conditions.

Engage in Physical Activities: Take leisurely walks, practice stretching, or participate in low-impact activities such as swimming. Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any exercise routine.

We are excited to highlight Exercare! Exercare has been dedicated to nurturing independence and fostering strength since 2012. With compassionate exercise facilitators who are Certified Senior Fitness Instructors, they provide gentle and customized exercise maintenance programs tailored to the specific needs of each client. Their commitment to exceptional communication with family members and timely arrival ensures that clients receive the appropriate exercise maintenance programs and genuine conversation nurture and foster independent living for seniors.

Please email them at exercarellc@gmail.com for more information!

Our Latest News!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at Companion Care, we believe that it's the perfect time to celebrate the well-being of seniors. We understand that aging can be challenging, and maintaining good mental health is essential to living a happy and fulfilling life. Our mission is to provide compassionate companionship and exceptional care that promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Companion Care is proud to offer a wide range of services that can help improve the mental health of seniors. Our companions are trained to provide personalized care and attention that meets the unique needs and preferences of each individual. From medication management to meal preparation and light housekeeping, we can provide the support you need to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.

We also understand that social isolation is a significant risk factor for mental health issues, especially among seniors. That's why our caregivers are vital - they're a friendly face who provides meaningful social connections. Our caregivers are always up for a game of cards, a walk in the park, or even just a friendly chat over a cup of tea. These interactions can go a long way in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

We are committed to helping seniors improve their mental health and overall well-being. We believe that it's never too late to start taking care of yourself, and we would love the opportunity to help a senior live their best life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your mental health needs.

Let's celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month together!

April Newsletter

It’s not a secret that caregiving is a work of heart. It requires lots of love, patience, and compassion - especially with seniors that might need extra care when it comes to ailments like dementia or Parkinson’s. Thankfully, we are fully equipped to best serve these types of clients!

April is Parkinson’s Awareness month

Here are some facts and figures surrounding this disease to help spread the word:

If someone you know, is struggling with daily tasks - please contact us at Companion Care. We can tailor our services to help them thrive.

Our services:

  • Companionship

  • Shopping & Meal Prepping

  • Medication Reminders

  • Transportation

  • Personal Care

  • Pet Care

  • Memory Care

  • Light Housekeeping

  • Respite Care

  • Transition Care

  • & More

As always, thank you for your support and referrals! We wouldn’t be where we are without you. If you’d like to partner with us, contact me today. We are eager to partner with local companies. Email me today to see how we can collaborate! Brittany@CompanionCareHC.com

April Newsletter

We couldn’t be more thrilled to say “goodbye” to winter and “Hello!” to spring! This new season is rightfully associated with transformations, cheerful colors, warmer air (sprinkled with showers), and new beginnings. 

Spring is when we see an up-tick in first-time clients opening their hearts and homes to our care; and we couldn’t be more honored that they chose Companion Care among the rest!

Need some ideas on how you can make the most of spring?

  • Take a nature walk!* Pro tip - visit the trail multiple times to see how much the scenery changes with the season! 

  • Have an outdoor picnic*

  • Visit your Local Farmers Market* - Not only are you sourcing your food sustainably, but you’re supporting your local economy!

  • Do some gardening*

  • Host a family gathering* - Easter is right around the corner!

  • Spring cleaning- Our caregivers can help the seniors in your life with light housekeeping!

    * Senior Friendly!


For us, springing into a new season also means more opportunities to make a difference in our communities too - not just our seniors. Our non-profit food bank has helped hundreds of families; especially at the height of the train derailment event. If you would like to donate, call us at 412-376-7636! 

We are always looking to partner with local businesses, associations, and schools to make an impact! Email me today to see how we can collaborate! Brittany@CompanionCareHC.com

Happy Birthday Companion Care Home Care!


This month marks another year of Companion Care!
 

In the past 12 months, we've grown our team and clientele, started a non-profit food bank, connected with our local communities by boosting businesses that are making a positive impact, and more!


We would like to extend our sincerest thank you to our incredible caregivers, staff, and YOU - your referrals, encouragement, and support mean everything to us.

Here's to another amazing year ahead where we can touch the lives of even more people and make a difference!

Follow our social channels to learn about our hiring opportunities and what we're up to.
Have questions? Call us at 412-376-7636!

Food Bank

We started an in-house non-profit food bank!

We are so excited to share this new endeavor with you, but more importantly – to help even more people in our community of Cranberry Township, PA!

Anyone can pick up a bag of various food items for themselves, a friend, a family in need, etc. – no questions asked. To receive a bag, simply call our office at 412-376-7636. Pick-up is at our Companion Care Home Care office!
20120 Route 19, Ste 205b, Cranberry Township, PA 16066


Want to donate and help those in need?
Venmo me! 100% of the proceeds go directly to purchasing food for those in need. We greatly appreciate your monetary donations!
My Venmo handle is: @brittany1540

For food donations or other inquires, please call us at the office!

Follow our social channels to learn about our hiring opportunities and what we're up to.

March 2022 Newsletter

*|MC:SUBJECT|*

Say hello to Veterans First!

We are excited about our new partnership with Veterans First! Veterans First is a fantastic company that helps Veterans and their surviving spouses receive in-home care with zero out-of-pocket cost. They are proud to serve their local community of Western Pennsylvania as well as Eastern Ohio and Florida.
 

What they do:
  • Help Veterans & their surviving spouses submit their claim for the Department of Veterans Affair's Aid and Attendance and Pension Benefit
  • This benefit affords 9-24 hours of in-home care per week
  • The VA can take a year to approve this benefit, but Veterans First bridges this gap and can provide care as soon as possible
 


Our partnership allows us at  Companion Care to facilitate these in-home care services on a weekly basis. Companion Care's incredible team of caregivers will offer medication reminders, meal preparation, bathing, running errands, housekeeping, rides to doctor's visits, companionship, and other in-home, non-medical services! 
 
Veterans First
I am honored for Companion Care Home Care to be affiliated with such a fantastic company! We value their compassion, empathy, and drive to provide these crucial and well-deserved services to Veterans. We can't wait to serve and touch the lives of America's heroes.

Follow our social channels to learn about our hiring opportunities and what we're up to.
Have questions? Call us at 412-376-7636!

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