A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 73F. Winds light and variable..
Tonight
A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: July 13, 2025 @ 8:40 pm
Dementia care professionals work long hours and face challenging conditions that are ever-evolving as patientsƵ memories decline. Expressions of gratitude and additional gestures can indicate to these vital workers that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Dementia care professionals work long hours and face challenging conditions that are ever-evolving as patientsƵ memories decline. Expressions of gratitude and additional gestures can indicate to these vital workers that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Dementia can affect just about anyone. The World Health Organization says 57 million people had dementia worldwide in 2021, and every year there are nearly 10 million new cases. Dementia can result from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. AlzheimerƵs disease is one of the more prevalent and well-known types of dementia.
While many people living with dementia may be able to manage on their own for a few years, or with somewhat minimal help from family, as the disease progresses, professional assistance likely will be needed. Often those facing a dementia diagnosis will require the services of a skilled nursing facility or memory care unit at some point; otherwise, they may have 24-hour, in-home care from a dementia care professional. Caring for those with dementia can be rewarding, but it is very taxing. AlzheimerƵs San Diego says 35 percent of AlzheimerƵs caregivers report their own health has suffered from their care responsibilities, as caring for someone with dementia takes an emotional toll.
It doesnƵt take much to show a dementia care professional that they are appreciated. Here are a few ways to be gracious and honor these compassionate individuals.
Offer kind words. One of the easiest ways to honor memory care workers is to provide support and offer compliments. Saying, ƵYouƵre doing a great job,Ƶ or ƵI couldnƵt do this without youƵ will help the professional feel appreciated.
Ƶk how you can help. Dementia care professionals are being paid for their services, but that doesnƵt mean someone canƵt pitch in and lend a hand. Offering to sit with the patient so that the worker can take a break for a few minutes, or offering to brainstorm solutions to a problem that has come up is an opportunity to share some of the burden that caring for someone with dementia can bring.
Advocate for care workers. Advocate for policies and programs that provide assistance and resources to dementia caregivers, whether they are professionals or family caregivers. Write to government officials about what more can be done to support these individuals who have very challenging jobs.
Listen to caregivers. Sometimes listening is the best support a person can offer. Dementia care professionals may want to share experiences and feelings without judgment.
Order food for the staff. Bring food platters, beverages and snacks to long-term care facilities so dementia care workers can grab a treat when they have time to do so. Check with the facility beforehand so they can approve any potential offerings, as there may be rules governing how individuals can show their appreciation to the professionals working there.
Dementia care professionals work long hours and face challenging conditions that are ever-evolving as patientsƵ memories decline. Expressions of gratitude and additional gestures can indicate to these vital workers that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
