When a loved one develops dementia or is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the impact ripples through every part of family life. The changes don’t just affect memory or mood. They influence routines, relationships, finances, and emotional well-being.
According to the Louisiana chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 95,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in the state. Supporting them are more than 252,000 family caregivers.
Behind every Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a family navigating it together. The numbers make that clear.
At Laketown Village in Kenner, LA, our assisted living and memory care community supports families like yours with education, care, and a path forward. Whether you are navigating early signs or are deep into a caregiving routine, there are ways to manage the many changes Alzheimer’s brings.
Physical and Emotional Strain on Family Caregivers
Caring for a person with dementia can be physically exhausting. The unpredictable nature of memory loss often means interrupted sleep, constant supervision, and the need for hands-on help with daily routines.
Many caregivers report:
- Fatigue from overnight wandering or repetitive questioning
- Strain from helping with bathing, dressing, and toileting
- Physical injuries like strained backs or falls
- Poor personal health due to lack of time for self-care
But the physical toll is only part of the picture. The emotional toll can be just as intense.
Family members may feel:
- Grief over the changes in their loved one’s personality
- Guilt about not being able to do more
- Helplessness watching cognitive decline
- Anxiety about future needs
The emotional burden often leads to increased rates of depression and isolation among family caregivers. These feelings are common and understandable. No one is prepared for the gradual loss of shared memories or the feeling that a loved one no longer recognizes them.
The Financial Impacts of Dementia on Families
The effects of dementia on families also show up in household budgets. Paying for long-term care, medications, and health care services can be overwhelming. Many families also absorb hidden costs, such as taking time off work or quitting jobs altogether.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance:
- 43% of caregivers feel these tasks are their responsibility because no one else can do them
- 75% of caregivers are women, many of whom also manage children or work obligations
- Primary caregivers of people with dementia spend an average of 9 hours a day providing support
The result is often stretched finances and postponed retirement plans. Even everyday expenses like groceries or transportation may grow as caregivers take on more responsibilities for their loved ones.
The Relational Impact: Changing Roles and Family Stress
One of the hardest things about Alzheimer’s is how it reshapes family roles. Adult children may suddenly become decision makers for their parents. Spouses often transition from equal partners to full-time caregivers. Siblings may disagree on what kind of care is best.
These role changes can create stress in even the closest relationships. Family members and friends may not always agree on what’s best or how to respond to challenging behaviors.
Common relational challenges include:
- Conflict between siblings over caregiving roles
- Feelings of resentment from being the “only one helping”
- Strained marriages or partnerships due to time spent caregiving
- Friends drifting away as social time disappears
These dynamics may not appear in the early stages, but often become clearer as the diagnosis of dementia progresses. Communication and planning are key to avoiding long-term damage in family relationships.
The Emotional Health of the Entire Household
Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline affect more than just the primary caregiver. Children, grandchildren, and extended family may all experience emotional disruption. Seeing a grandparent repeat themselves or grow confused can be frightening or confusing for younger family members.
Adults may worry about their own future. They may wonder whether they, too, will develop Alzheimer’s. These concerns add to the emotional weight families already carry.
When dementia caregiving becomes the central focus of a home, family members may:
- Miss out on social events
- Spend less time on hobbies or health routines
- Feel disconnected from others who don’t understand
- Lose a sense of balance in daily life
These feelings are valid. Recognizing them is the first step to seeking help.
The Role of Memory Care in Supporting Families
While many families do their best to manage at home, dementia care is a complex and growing need. When the effects of dementia become too much for one household to handle, memory care communities provide support, structure, and resources that improve the quality of life for both the person with dementia and their family.
Memory care services:
- Create secure environments
- Offer 24/7 supervision from trained professionals
- Use structured routines to reduce anxiety and confusion
- Provide group activities that help maintain cognitive functions
- Support social interaction and community engagement
Families often find that after a loved one moves into memory care, they can return to a more fulfilling and balanced relationship. They visit as spouses, children, or grandchildren again, rather than as full-time caregivers. This shift can restore emotional connection and reduce conflict.
The Connections Memory Care Program: Connect, Move, Learn
At Laketown Village, we offer the Connections memory care program, based on a research-backed sequence of activities called Connect, Move, Learn. Developed by Dr. Sandra Petersen, this method supports brain health through socialization, movement, and cognitive exercises:
- Connect focuses on social engagement, which strengthens emotional health
- Move uses light physical activity to improve balance and coordination
- Learn challenges the brain through creative problem-solving
This approach benefits people who are in all stages of dementia, including the early stage. It also gives families confidence that their loved one is engaged in meaningful, structured activities that support their well-being.
The Connections program is designed to promote positive outcomes, not just manage symptoms. Families see improvement in mood, engagement, and communication.
Supporting the Supporters: Family Resources
Caring for someone who is diagnosed with dementia should not be a solo journey. There are many resources available to guide and support families. At Laketown Village, we encourage families to join a support group, stay socially active, and explore professional help when needed.
Helpful tips for families:
- Take regular breaks from caregiving duties
- Talk openly with other family members about shared responsibilities
- Attend educational workshops to learn more about dementia care
- Use respite services to get time away without worry
- Seek counseling if grief or burnout feels overwhelming
These strategies can help caregivers manage emotions, stay physically healthy, and maintain strong relationships. Most of all, they remind caregivers that they are not alone.
FAQs: Understanding How Alzheimer’s Affects Families
What are the emotional effects of Alzheimer’s on families?
Alzheimer’s often causes grief, anxiety, and guilt among family members. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the changes in their loved one’s personality or daily needs.
How does dementia caregiving impact physical health?
Family caregivers may experience fatigue, sleep disruption, and injuries from lifting or assisting with daily tasks. Many also struggle to find time for their own health needs.
Is memory care better than caring for a loved one at home?
Memory care provides 24/7 support, structured routines, and cognitive engagement that can improve quality of life. It also gives families the chance to reconnect as loved ones—not just caregivers.
How does Alzheimer’s affect household finances?
Families often face costs for long-term care, medications, and lost income from missed work. Many absorb hidden expenses like travel, groceries, or home safety modifications.
What support is available for Alzheimer’s caregivers?
Support groups, counseling, respite care, and memory care communities like Laketown Village in Kenner, LA, offer relief and guidance for families managing dementia care.
Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone
Alzheimer’s effects on a family can be wide-reaching. From physical exhaustion to financial strain and emotional fatigue, the effects of dementia change how families live, work, and connect with one another. These changes are challenging but manageable with the right support.
At Laketown Village in Kenner, LA, our team understands the full picture of dementia, including how it affects families and friends. Our community offers structured care, engaging activities, and family resources that help caregivers reconnect with their loved ones in new ways. The journey may be difficult, but you do not have to walk it alone.
Navigate the Impacts of Alzheimer’s and Dementia with Confidence
To learn more about our Connections memory care program or to find a support group, contact us to schedule a visit. We are here to help.
