As of January 2025 an estimated 771,939 people in Canada are living with dementia, and this number is rising as the population ages. One of the most common symptoms of dementia is memory loss – what may start as mild forgetfulness (like misplacing keys or forgetting names) can progress to more disruptive memory lapses over time. For families and caregivers, it’s important to address dementia-related forgetfulness early with practical strategies and support. In this post, we’ll share expert-backed tips and real-life experience on managing memory loss, along with guidance on finding and arranging dementia care services. Our goal is to provide an authoritative resource – grounded in compassionate caregiving experience – to help you and your loved ones maintain the best quality of life.

Early Signs of Dementia-Related Forgetfulness

Recognizing the early signs of dementia-related memory problems can ensure timely support. While occasional forgetfulness can be normal with aging, dementia-related forgetfulness is more frequent and impacts daily function.

Here are some early warning signs to watch for:

Memory lapses that disrupt daily life: The person forgets recently learned information and repeats questions or stories, not remembering that they already shared them (source: alzheimer.ca)

For example, they might ask the same question minutes apart or forget important dates/events.

Difficulty with familiar tasks: They may start to struggle with routine activities like cooking a simple recipe or operating the TV remote, even though these were once second nature (source: alzheimer.ca)

. This goes beyond mere distraction – it’s an inability to complete tasks they’ve done their whole life.

Misplacing items in odd places: Everyone misplaces things occasionally, but a person with dementia might put things in inappropriate spots – e.g. finding the TV remote in the fridge or shoes in the dishwasher (source: alzheimer.ca)

. They may also be unable to retrace steps to find lost objects.

Disorientation to time and place: Early dementia can cause people to lose track of dates or get lost in familiar areas. They might forget what day it is or how they got somewhere, which is more severe than normal “Why did I come into this room?” moments.
Changes in judgment or mood: You might notice poor decision-making (like dressing in shorts on a snowy day) or personality changes such as increased confusion, suspicion, or withdrawal from social activities (source: alzheimer.ca)

These behavioral changes often accompany memory loss.

If you observe several of these signs in a loved one (or yourself), don’t ignore them. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Consider consulting a doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis allows you to plan and implement memory aids or care strategies sooner, which can improve overall outcomes. (source: alzint.org)

Helpful Tools and Strategies for Managing Forgetfulness

While there is no cure for dementia, practical tools can significantly help someone manage day-to-day forgetfulness. According to dementia care specialists, using memory aids and establishing consistent routines can empower individuals with early-stage dementia to maintain independence longer. In this section, we highlight four helpful tools – recommended by organizations like the Alzheimer Society – that can jog memory and reduce daily frustration

These simple strategies are low-cost and easy to implement in the home:

1. Sticky Notes for Visual Reminders

Sticky notes are a simple but effective memory aid. Write short reminders and place them where they’ll be seen at the right time. For example, put a note on the front door that says “Keys? Wallet?” so your loved one checks for their keys before leaving, or a note on the refrigerator saying “Take your 2:00 PM pill” to prompt medication adherence. Caregivers can use sticky notes in various rooms: “feed the dog” in the kitchen or “wash your hands” in the bathroom – any routine task that tends to be forgotten

It’s best to stick these reminders in obvious, consistent spots (like the bathroom mirror or by the light switch). Once the task is done, remove the note to avoid confusion; you may need to replace it later if the task recurs. Tip: Choose brightly colored notes and large handwriting to make them noticeable. This low-tech solution is often one of the first strategies families use, and it can provide a sense of accomplishment when the person completes tasks independently.

2. Whiteboards for Daily Schedules

A whiteboard with notes can serve as a centralized daily planner for a person with dementia. Family members or caregivers can update it with the date, appointments, and important to-dos. Whiteboards placed in common areas (like the kitchen or living room) are excellent for displaying daily schedules and key information. Many dementia caregivers use a whiteboard to write today’s date, the day of the week, and the schedule (“10:00 – Exercise class; 2:00 – Doctor’s appointment; 6:00 – Dinner with Mary”). This gives the person a reference they can check anytime if they feel unsure about what’s happening that day

You can also include cheerful notes like, “Don’t worry, you have your wallet and keys with you,” or list visitors and events (“Your sister will visit this Sunday”) to help them anticipate social connections.

Update the board regularly and encourage your loved one to refer to it each morning. Alzheimer’s organizations recommend whiteboards as a memory tool because they are large, reusable, and hard to misplace. (source: alzheimer.ca)

You might even involve the person in checking off completed activities on the board – this can provide a small sense of accomplishment and structure to their day.

3. Alarms and Smartphone Reminders

In the early to mid-stages of dementia, technology can be a ally in keeping track of time and tasks. Many individuals benefit from preset alarms on clocks or smartphones as automatic reminders. For instance, you can set daily alarm alerts for medication times, meal times, or other routines. If your loved one uses a cellphone, take advantage of the calendar app with pop-up reminders – schedule recurring events for things like “Take morning medication” or “Start getting ready for bed”

The phone will then chime or display a message at the right time. There are also specialized dementia clocks available that show the day, date, and whether it’s morning or evening, which can help orient someone who wakes up confused about the time. In the kitchen, using an oven timer or a talking alarm clock is useful for safety (e.g. reminding them to turn off the stove after cooking)

Some modern pill dispensers come with built-in alarms that beep when it’s time for a dose. The key is to introduce these devices early, so the person learns to trust and respond to them as part of their routine. As one geriatric nurse puts it, “Consistent auditory cues like alarms become ‘external memory’ for the individual – essentially, the alarm remembers so they don’t have to.” By reducing reliance on their own memory, alarms and reminders can prevent missed medications or appointments, and thereby enhance safety and health.

4. Medication Organizers and Reminder Services

A weekly pill organizer with labeled compartments for each day (and time of day) helps ensure the right pills are taken at the right time. Managing medications is often one of the biggest challenges in dementia care. Forgetting doses – or accidentally double-taking medication due to forgetfulness – can have serious health repercussions. A simple yet powerful tool is a pill organizer

These pill boxes have compartments labeled by day of the week (and sometimes multiple slots per day like morning, noon, evening) that you can fill with the correct pills. This provides a clear visual cue: for example, if Tuesday evening’s compartment is empty, it indicates the medication was taken. According to the Alzheimer Society, pill organizers make it easy to track that medications are taken properly.

Many pharmacies or stores sell pill organizers, and some even have alarms. Make sure to refill the organizer at the same time each week (or ask a nurse/caregiver to do it). In addition, consider using medication reminder services – this could be a daily phone call from a caregiver or a smart dispenser that unlocks only the pills for the current dose. If your loved one’s dementia is more advanced or if they have many medications, it may be safest to have a caregiver assist with medication management. In a nurse-managed dementia care program (like the one we offer at Choice Homecare), professionals can administer medications on schedule and monitor for any side effects or issues. They also coordinate with doctors and pharmacists to ensure prescriptions are current and appropriate. Whether through gadgets or caregiving support, ensuring medications are taken correctly will give you peace of mind and keep your loved one healthier.

Case Story: Memory Tools in Action

To illustrate how these memory aids can make a difference, consider Mrs. Thompson, an 78-year-old with early-stage Alzheimer’s, and her daughter Karen. Before using any memory aids, Mrs. Thompson would frequently forget her medication pills, This often led to confusion, low energy, and worry for Karen. After consulting a dementia care specialist, they implemented a few simple tools:

Karen set up a large whiteboard in the kitchen that lists the daily schedule (meal times, a reminder to drink water, and any visitors or appointments for the day). Every morning, she reviews the day’s plan with her mom. Mrs. Thompson now glances at the board throughout the day and feels more secure knowing what to expect. “It reassures her to see that lunch is at 12:30 and that I’ll be back from work by 5:00,” Karen says.
They also started using a pill organizer with alarms. Each compartment contains the correct pills for that time. An alarm on Mrs. Thompson’s phone is set for 2 PM with the message “Take afternoon pill.” When it sounds, she checks the organizer for that day’s slot. Since introducing this system, she hasn’t missed a dose in months. Karen notes that her mother’s blood pressure has improved now that she’s taking her medication consistently.
Finally, Karen places sticky notes strategically — a note on the fridge that says “Had lunch?” serves as a gentle prompt in case her mom forgets whether she ate. If the note is still there, it cues Mrs. Thompson to prepare lunch; after eating, she removes the note (and Karen later puts it back up for the next day). This simple routine prevents the forgotten meal problem they used to have.

Result: Mrs. Thompson’s daily life is more structured and safe, and Karen feels less anxious because there are fewer crises like missed medications. “These tools have been a game-changer,” Karen shares. “Mom is happier and I’m not constantly worrying. It’s like we’ve created a supportive memory environment for her.” This case story is just one example – your results may vary – but many families find that combining such memory aids with compassionate oversight can greatly improve confidence and reduce frustration for a loved one with dementia.

(The above scenario is based on common experiences reported by dementia caregivers. Always tailor strategies to your loved one’s needs and consult professionals for personalized advice.)

Where to Find Dementia Care Services

As dementia progresses, forgetfulness can become too much for sticky notes and alarms alone. You may reach a point where professional care services are needed to keep your loved one safe and healthy. Navigating the care options can be overwhelming, but there are reputable resources to guide you. Depending on what you search for, you might be looking for information on services, specific providers, or how to arrange care. Below, we break down where and how to find the help you need:

Healthcare Providers and Memory Clinics: Start by talking to your family doctor or a neurologist if you have one. They can provide a diagnosis (if not already done) and refer you to local memory clinics or specialists. Doctors often know community resources and can connect you with social workers or case managers who specialize in dementia care. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What support is available for someone with dementia in our area?”
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Organizations: Organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Canada are invaluable. They serve as a first link to a community of support. (source: alzheimer.ca)

. These groups offer helplines, educational materials, and directories of services. For example, the Alzheimer Society can help you find local dementia day programs, support groups for caregivers, and reputable home care agencies.

Home Care Agencies: If you’re considering in-home help, look for licensed home care providers that specialize in memory care. In Ottawa (where we are based), for instance, families might search for “dementia home care services in Ottawa”. When evaluating an agency, check for things like: Are their caregivers trained in dementia care? Is there a nurse supervisor (for medical oversight)? What do reviews or testimonials say? A trustworthy agency should be transparent about their services and happy to discuss their experience with dementia clients. (Tip:) Look for any accreditations or awards – for example, some agencies are accredited by health care organizations or have won service awards, which can boost confidence in their quality and trustworthiness.
Community and Government Resources: Many regions have government-supported services for seniors or people with dementia. These might include Adult Day Programs (day centers where people with dementia can socialize and engage in activities under supervision)

respite care services (short-term relief for caregivers), and in some cases, subsidized home care hours through public health agencies. Check your local health department or senior services department for information. For example, in Ontario, the Ontario health at home can assess a senior for publicly funded home care or day programs.

If you are searching online, be specific – e.g., “Alzheimer support services [Your City]” or “memory care homes near me.” This can bring up local directories. Always stick to reputable websites (those of known organizations or healthcare providers) to ensure the information is current and reliable. And remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Organizations exist to help families dealing with dementia, so reach out – a phone call or email can set you on the right path to getting the care your loved one needs.

How to Book a Dementia Caregiver and Understand Service Costs

Once you’ve identified some care service options, the next step is booking the service and sorting out the costs and logistics. This section addresses the transactional questions: How do we hire a dementia caregiver? What does it cost, and what payment or insurance options exist? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment: Most reputable home care providers or care agencies offer an initial meeting or phone consultation. For example, At Choice Homecare we provide a free dementia care consultation to discuss your situation and needs. During this consultation, be prepared to outline your loved one’s condition, daily challenges (e.g. wandering, forgetting meds), and what kind of help you’re looking for (part-time help, full-time live-in care, etc.). The provider will typically assess which services and schedule might fit best. This is your chance to ask questions, so come with a list: “Do you have experience with Alzheimer’s patients who get anxious at night?” “Can you assist with bathing and dressing?” The goal is to ensure they can meet your loved one’s specific needs. Besides Choice Homecare Nurses also provide you with additional information on how to provide support to your loved one while keeping them safe at home.
Care Plan and Matching with a Caregiver: After the assessment, the agency will create a customized care plan. This plan outlines what kind of support will be provided – for example, 3 hours every morning to help with breakfast, medication, light exercise, plus 2 hours in the evening for dinner and bedtime routine. A good care plan is person-centered: it should consider your loved one’s routine, likes/dislikes, and important health information. Next, the provider will match a suitable caregiver (or team of caregivers) to your loved one. Many families appreciate meeting the caregiver in advance. When possible, choose a caregiver whose personality and skills are a good fit – for instance, someone calm and patient for a client who gets anxious, or someone who speaks the same first language as your loved one. Make sure the agency conducts background checks and provides training for their staff. Don’t be shy to ask about the caregiver’s qualifications (are they a Personal Support Worker, Registered Nurse, etc., and have they worked with dementia clients before?). Trust is crucial, so a professional agency will be transparent about who they are sending into your home.
Verifying Credentials and Trustworthiness: Before finalizing the hire, do a quick credibility check on the service. Ensure the company is properly licensed (if required in your region) and ideally insured/bonded. You can also look for memberships or accreditation – for example, some home care agencies might be accredited by a national home care association or have a nurse supervisor overseeing cases (which adds a layer of professionalism and safety). If the service involves medical tasks (like medication administration, injections, etc.), confirm that a nurse is involved in training or supervising the caregiver. It’s okay to request references or read testimonials from other clients. After all, this is about your loved one’s well-being. Reputable organizations will understand your due diligence. For instance, at Choice Homecare we are proud to note that our dementia care is nurse-managed, meaning a Registered Nurse coordinates the care team and ensures best practices are followed – an approach aligned with high care standards for dementia. Look for such commitments to quality as you decide.
Discussing Service Costs and Payment Options: Cost is a big factor for most families. Dementia care services can vary widely in price depending on the type of service and region. In-home care is usually billed hourly. In Ottawa, for example, home care rates might range (hypothetically) from $40 to $45 per hour, but this can fluctuate. Assisted living or memory care facilities often charge a monthly fee that can be several thousand dollars. During your consultation, the provider should give you a clear breakdown of costs: hourly rates, weekly or monthly package deals (if any), and what is included (for example, does the rate cover all tasks, or are there extra fees for nights/weekends?). Be upfront about your budget. Also ask about minimum hours – some agencies require a minimum number of hours per week or per visit. Inquire if there are any programs that can help offset costs. For instance, certain long-term care insurance policies (if you have one) may reimburse home care expenses. Veterans and their spouses might have access to veterans’ assistance for home care. In some locales, government health services provide a certain number of free hours of personal care per week, after which you pay out-of-pocket for additional hours. The provider should be knowledgeable about whether you qualify for any subsidies or tax credits (in Canada, there’s a federal tax credit for caregivers, for example). Understanding the financial aspect upfront will help avoid surprises and allow you to plan ahead for sustainable care.
Booking the Service and Ongoing Communication: Once you agree on the care plan and costs, you will schedule the service. The agency will normally handle logistics like setting a start date, introducing the caregiver, and establishing a communication channel (so you know how to reach the caregiver or care manager anytime). It’s wise to start with a trial period – perhaps commit to a month of service and then review how it’s going. Observe how your loved one gets along with the caregiver; a good rapport is important. Stay in regular touch with the agency – good providers will encourage this. They may provide you with progress notes or updates after each visit, or you might have a weekly check-in call with the care coordinator. If something isn’t working (maybe the schedule needs adjusting or a different caregiver would be a better match), speak up. Quality home care agencies will work with you to tweak the plan. Flexibility is one advantage of home care: you can usually increase or decrease hours as needs change. For example, if you find your loved one now needs help at lunchtime in addition to mornings, you can request that. Keep an eye out for any changes in your loved one’s condition, and inform the caregiver and agency so they can adapt the care plan. The caregiving team should be your partners – together, you can ensure your family member gets the best possible support.

Booking dementia care might seem daunting, but by breaking it into these steps, you’ll move from research to actual help smoothly. Remember to document everything (agreements, care plans, emergency contacts) and keep a folder. And always insist on clarity and transparency – from what services will be provided to how much it will cost. When you have a trustworthy care team in place, you’ll likely feel a weight lifted, knowing you’re not alone in caring for your loved one.

Home Care vs. Assisted Living: Choosing the Right Dementia Care Option (Commercial Investigation)

As dementia progresses, families often face a choice: Do we continue care at home, or consider moving our loved one to an assisted living or memory care facility? This is a significant decision with personal, financial, and emotional implications. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. T the best option depends on the individual’s needs, the family’s capacity to support, and the resources available. In this section, we’ll compare in-home care and assisted living/memory care facilities across key factors. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision when the time comes (a typical “commercial investigation” step families take, often searching for terms like “home care vs memory care for dementia”).

Why Home Care May Be the Best Choice

Familiar Environment: Staying at home reduces confusion and anxiety, keeping your loved one in a space filled with memories and comfort.
One-on-One Attention: Home care provides dedicated support, unlike facilities where staff handle multiple residents.
Flexible & Scalable: Start with a few hours of care and increase as needed—home care adjusts to your loved one’s evolving needs.
Family Involvement: Loved ones can visit anytime, maintaining emotional connections without facility restrictions.
Customized Routine & Activities: Caregivers tailor activities to individual preferences, from favorite music to meaningful conversations.
When to Consider Assisted Living
Specialized Dementia Care: Facilities offer structured routines, trained staff, and secure environments for safety.
24/7 Supervision: Round-the-clock care ensures immediate response in case of emergencies.
Social Interaction: Residents engage in group activities, reducing isolation.
Key Considerations
- Home Care Challenges: May require home modifications and can become costly for 24/7 care. However, it’s often more flexible and personal than facility care.
- Facility Challenges: Transitioning can be difficult for dementia patients, and quality varies—research is essential.

Making the Right Choice

If safety allows, home care provides a more personalized, comfortable alternative to assisted living. Some families choose hybrid solutions—home care with occasional respite stays in a facility.

Our Expertise and Commitment to Quality

When evaluating dementia care information (or providers), it’s natural to seek reassurance that the advice comes from experienced, trustworthy sources. Here at Choice Homecare, we prioritize Expertise, in everything we do. Our care approaches are grounded in established best practices and years of hands-on experience with clients and families.

For instance, the memory tools recommended above aren’t just theoretical tips – they align with guidance from leading organizations like the Alzheimer Society (as cited) and have proven effective in our own caregiving practice. We’ve seen clients benefit from these strategies first-hand. Our Executive Director, Kelly Prevost, who is a Registered Nurse and is associated with Choice Homecare from Past 12 years , notes, “When we introduce personalized memory aids and routines, our clients often become less anxious and more engaged. It’s wonderful to watch someone regain a bit of independence through such simple changes.” Testimonials from families echo this. “The Choice Homecare team suggested using a whiteboard schedule for Mom – it’s made a world of difference,” says one client’s daughter. “They truly understand dementia care.”

Moreover, trustworthiness in care is about accountability and standards. Choice Homecare is proud to be a nurse-managed home care provider, meaning a qualified nurse oversees each dementia client’s care plan. This ensures that any red flags (like changes in health or behavior) are promptly addressed and that our caregivers receive ongoing training and support. We adhere to provincial health regulations and continually update our knowledge with the latest in dementia care research and training. Our caregivers are carefully screened and trained – many have specialized education in Alzheimer’s/dementia caregiving or years of experience in memory care units. We also operate with transparency: from clear pricing and care descriptions to logging daily care notes that families can review, we want you to feel informed and confident in the care your loved one receives.

Lastly, our agency is an active member of the community – we collaborate with local Alzheimer support groups and follow guidelines from organizations like the Dementia Society. We believe in not just providing a service, but building a relationship of trust and compassion with each family. Dementia care is a journey, often a challenging one, and you should have a trusted partner on that journey. By demonstrating our expertise and commitment, we hope to give you peace of mind that you are making the best choices for your loved one.

If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a great step by educating yourself on dementia care options. The next step might be putting some of these ideas into practice. Try out a new reminder tool this week, or reach out to one of the resources listed. And if you need guidance tailored to your situation, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for a free dementia care consultation. As a dedicated dementia care provider in Ottawa, Choice Homecare can answer your questions, discuss care plans, and help you explore what combination of services or support would be most helpful for your family. Our team (managed by healthcare professionals) will treat your loved one with the same compassion and respect we would want for our own families.

Don’t wait until small memory issues become big crises – proactive support can make all the difference. Whether it’s setting up an in-home care schedule or simply getting professional advice on next steps, we’re just a phone call away. Let’s work together to ensure your loved one with dementia stays safe, supported, and surrounded by care.

About the Author

Chris Zomer, BScN, RN, is the Director of Care at Choice Homecare, with over 10 years of experience in geriatric nursing and home healthcare. He leads the care department at Choice, Chris has helped hundreds of families develop personalized dementia care plans to ensure their loved ones receive compassionate, evidence-based support. His passion lies in educating families and promoting best practices in Dementia care.