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Theres no one-size-fits-all solution for coping with this pop in of dementia.

We spoke with severalAlzheimers caregiverswho found ways to keep their relatives active and engaged.

Heres what worked for them.

Create opportunities for your loved one to participate in activities theyve always loved and can still do safely.

Emmy G.s mom, Linda, died fromAlzheimers diseasein 2021.

It was something small but so grounding and calming for her to get outside every day, she says.

Help them accomplish their goals.

Karen W.s mother, Ethel, lived with her for a year after developingAlzheimers.

She kept saying I want to go to Coronado, [California], Karen tells SELF.

That was where she and my dad were married in 1939.

So I took her!

The pair went on a four-day adventure.

The visit also allowed Ethel to connect with her past and share that with Karen.

The trip was a blessing to me.

Connect your loved one with others who have Alzheimers.

Jennifer F. stresses the importance of finding your own Alzheimers disease community.

Thats a win for everyone.

Jennifer also says that she would often take her mother and a friend out to do things together.

Nothing like having people like yourself by your side.

Go for walks together, especially if your loved one has always enjoyed that.

Dad had always been an avid walker, and I continued this practice with him, Rick says.

Emmy also says that movement benefited her mother.

It became a simple but consistent way to keep her moving, she says.

Unfortunately, once she couldnt walk anymore, everything seemed to decline much more quickly.

Experiment until you find methods of engagement that resonate the most.

It may take some trial and error to figure out what works for your loved one.

But Tom was never that interested in jigsaw puzzles.

However, hes always loved to read.

Frequent visits to the library have been an activity that hits several of his hot buttons, Leslie says.

Consider giving them household chores that are safe and can offer a sense of purpose.

Jenny M. helped to care for her mother, who lived with Alzheimers disease for more than 13 years.

We would include her in all that we did.

She loved going to Costco with us and shopping.

She loved helping set the table when we had family dinners.

Leslie also says shes shuffled around household chores to give her husband tasks that best suit his abilities.

He now has the responsibility of emptying the dishwasher and folding the laundry, she says.

Ive bought more cloth napkins, so he has a steady supply of things to sort and fold.

Read out loud to them, particularly from material that connects with their past.

So, once his dad developedAlzheimers, Rick read out loud to help keep him mentally aware.

Dad had always appreciated good writing, he says.

8. give a shot to continue to do things together youve always loved.

So Karen planned a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with Anthonys sister and brother-in-law.

I carried all his essentialsphone, wallet, and glassesso he didnt have to worry about them.

Karen also says she packed Anthonys clothes to double-check he was prepared and didnt forget anything important.

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