Using the CARES® Approach for Daily Activities

For people with dementia, everyday tasks can become challenging. Familiar items like a toothbrush or comb can cause confusion, and performing routine activities may feel overwhelming. As a caregiver, you have the opportunity to make a significant difference by using the CARES® Approach. This approach helps guide you in providing the right support, making dementia activities of daily living easier and more manageable, while also preserving the person’s dignity and sense of independence.

Eating

Maintaining good nutrition is key to health, but dementia can make eating feel unfamiliar. With the CARES® Approach, you can help the person continue enjoying their meals, ensuring they get the nutrition they need, even in later stages of Alzheimer’s. This is an important aspect of dementia activities of daily living.

Dressing

As dementia progresses, knowing how much help to provide can be tricky. By understanding the person’s abilities at each stage, you can support them in dressing by turning it into a meaningful, guided activity. Familiarity and comfort can make all the difference.

Grooming

Grooming routines like brushing hair or shaving may seem simple, but they can be important for maintaining dignity. With dementia, the person may need more assistance, but you can help them retain a sense of normalcy by allowing them to do as much as possible.

Bathing

Bathing can be both relaxing and overwhelming. To ease any discomfort, make sure the environment feels calm and familiar. If the person resists, consider alternatives like sponge baths, keeping them clean and comfortable without added stress.

Mouth Care

Proper oral hygiene helps prevent infections, but dementia can make mouth care feel uncomfortable or confusing. Use the CARES® Approach to provide gentle, familiar support, ensuring the person’s comfort and oral health.

Using the Bathroom

As dementia progresses, using the bathroom independently may no longer be possible. A respectful, patient approach helps maintain dignity and comfort while preventing infections and other health issues. The CARES® Approach ensures you provide the right support at every stage.

Person-Centered Personal Care

Person-centered care for dementia is all about knowing someone’s preferences and using them to make their daily routine smoother. Here’s an example—there’s a person who showers in the morning, never at night. He starts his day with coffee and loves feeding the birds outside. If you’re his caregiver and you know this, you can use it to your advantage.

Many caregivers struggle with people refusing to bathe. But the first question should be: When do they usually shower? If someone tried to bathe him at night, he would resist—because he already showered in the morning. But if you scheduled it for his preferred time, there’d be no issue. And if you made him coffee first? Even better.

This approach applies to every aspect of personal care. Some people love showers, while others feel cleaner after a bath. For someone with dementia, forcing them into a shower when they’re used to baths can cause distress. It’s not just about keeping them clean—it’s about providing a routine that feels comfortable and familiar. By using dementia personal care strategies, caregivers can tailor each task to fit the person’s unique needs and preferences.

Would you like to earn your certification in CARES® Dementia 5-Step Method?

Start now and gain access to Module 1 for free at www.hcinteractive.com/5StepDemo.

Don’t miss out—this limited-time offer is available now!

Making Dementia Care Easier with the CARES® Approach

The CARES approach by Healthcare Interactive is a structured method for person-centered dementia care. It stands for Connect, Assess, Respond, Evaluate, and Share, forming the foundation of HCI’s caregiving techniques. Connection isn’t just the first step—it’s something caregivers should maintain throughout every interaction. Even just slowing down and truly connecting using the CARES approach can make a meaningful difference in how you care for someone with dementia.

How CARES Works in Practice

• Connect with the Person

A simple smile, greeting, and using their preferred name can make all the difference. Always introduce yourself, stay calm, and avoid rushing.

Example: “Good afternoon, Martha. I’m John.” (Smile, be patient, and take your time.)

• Assess Behavior

Pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues. Ask how they’re feeling and reference something meaningful to them.

Example: “How are you today? How is your shoulder feeling?”

• Respond Appropriately

Explain what you’re doing, involve them in the process, and engage in conversation about things they care about. This is key to effective dementia interactions that build trust.

Example: “I’m going to help you put on your sweater. Let’s start with your sore shoulder so it slides on easily… Martha, did you have a favorite sweater when you were young?”

• Evaluate What Works

Make sure they’re comfortable, offer additional support if needed, and close the interaction in a warm way.

Example: “Martha, does your sweater feel okay? Can I get you a pillow for your back? I’ll check in again soon. Take care!”

• Share with Others

Pass along what you’ve learned to improve dementia care in future interactions. Small details can make a big difference.

Example: Leaving a note: “Ask Martha about her green and white high school sweater.” Or telling a colleague: “You should see how she lights up when she talks about it!”

The CARES approach is at the heart of HCI’s training programs, helping caregivers create meaningful, effective dementia interactions and compassionate care experiences. For more resources, visit HCI’s website.

Would you like to earn your certification in CARES® Dementia 5-Step Method?

Start now and gain access to Module 1 for free at www.hcinteractive.com/5StepDemo.

Don’t miss out—this limited-time offer is available now!