Caring for someone with dementia is not just about remembering appointments or managing medications - it’s about adjusting your expectations, learning patience, and embracing the small, meaningful moments that still shine through the fog. In a moving blog post titled “7 lessons I’ve learned caring for someone with dementia,” the Alzheimer’s Society shares one carer’s honest and heartfelt reflections on the emotional journey of dementia caregiving.

This isn’t a clinical guide. It’s a deeply personal, human account that will resonate with anyone walking the same path.

1. Your relationship will change

One of the most important takeaways is that dementia reshapes the dynamics of even the closest relationships. As the person with dementia changes, so too does your role - and it often means stepping in as an advocate, decision-maker, and constant companion.

2. The person is still there, even if they change

While dementia affects memory and behaviour, it doesn’t erase the essence of who someone is. Learning to recognise the person beneath the symptoms allows caregivers to respond with more compassion, and to cherish meaningful moments of connection - even if they’re fleeting.

3. It’s okay to feel frustrated—and to ask for help

Caregiving is emotionally and physically exhausting. The blog encourages carers to acknowledge their limits, speak up about their needs, and let go of guilt. Seeking help isn’t weakness - it’s how we sustain our ability to care.

4. Laughter still matters

Despite the challenges, humour and lightness are still part of life. Moments of shared laughter can cut through frustration and re-establish bonds. Recognising this helps caregivers reconnect with joy.

5. You learn to live in the moment

The unpredictability of dementia means that long-term plans often shift. Instead, carers learn to focus on the present - to make peace with what is, rather than what might have been.

6. Small wins mean everything

Whether it’s a calm mealtime or a familiar memory shared, the post reminds us that small victories carry immense emotional weight. Caregivers become attuned to these moments, which build resilience and restore meaning.

7. You’re not alone

Perhaps the most powerful message is the reminder that millions of carers around the world are walking similar paths. Community, understanding, and resources like those from Alzheimer’s Society help make the load more manageable.

How Elli Cares Can Help

At Elli Cares, we see these lessons reflected in the families we support every day. Our app is designed to ease the daily caregiving journey - providing structure through reminders, supporting communication across care teams, and creating space for connection, safety, and emotional peace of mind.

If you’re a caregiver, you’re not alone - and you don’t have to do it all on your own.

👉 Read the full Alzheimer’s Society blog