A starting point for Sarasota and Manatee caregivers
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Venice, use these resources to plan your next step. Explore local support groups for connection, caregiver training for practical guidance, and local resource organizations for help navigating services.
Before contacting a program, write down your city, the help you are seeking, and any accessibility or language needs. Ask about eligibility, fees, current availability, and whether services are for caregivers, people living with dementia, or both.
Explore the November 7 Sarasota dementia conference and speaker program
Family Care · Practical Guide
Caregiver Support
Dementia caregiving can involve appointments, medications, meals, personal care, safety supervision, behavior changes, transportation, finances, and constant decision-making. A caregiver plan should support the person living with dementia and the health of the caregiver.
Communication That Reduces Frustration
- Use short sentences and one idea or request at a time.
- Reduce background noise and allow extra time for a response.
- Offer simple choices rather than broad open-ended questions when decision-making is difficult.
- Avoid arguing over details when reassurance or redirection can safely meet the need.
Based on National Institute on Aging caregiver guidance. NIA communication guide ↗
When Behavior Suddenly Changes
- Look for pain, constipation, dehydration, hunger, poor sleep, infection, hearing/vision problems, or a new medication.
- Reduce overstimulation and keep routines predictable when possible.
- Sudden or rapidly fluctuating confusion is not typical gradual dementia progression and should be medically evaluated promptly.
Government education: NIA behavior-change guidance ↗
Home Safety Checklist
- Secure medications, chemicals, firearms, tools, and other potentially dangerous items.
- Improve lighting, reduce fall hazards, and review kitchen and bathroom safety.
- Plan for wandering risk, emergency identification, driving changes, and what to do if the caregiver becomes unavailable.
Government education: NIA home-safety guide ↗
Caregiver Health Matters
- Schedule regular medical care for yourself and pay attention to sleep, mood, nutrition, and physical health.
- Build respite into the care plan before a crisis occurs.
- Share specific tasks with family or friends instead of waiting until you are overwhelmed.
Government resources: NIA Caregiving Toolkit ↗ · CDC Caregiving Resources ↗