Aging at Home with Dementia: The Supports That Make It Possible

By the time the sun rises, she has already reminded her husband three times that he is at home, and not on vacation. He wants to walk around. She wants him to be safe. Every morning begins like this, a routine lived by many families caring for a loved one with dementia.

Aging in place is a term we hear often, but what does it really mean when dementia is involved? It is more than staying home. It is about remaining safe, connected, and independent in a familiar environment with the right support.

What Aging in Place Really Requires

For individuals living with dementia, successful aging in place relies on a combination of home safety, cognitive support, caregiver involvement, and proactive planning. Home modifications such as grab bars, fall-prevention tools, and reminder technology help individuals remain safe and functional in their homes (National Institute on Aging, 2023). Family, friends, and home health providers form a critical support network. Planning early for legal, financial, and care decisions helps ensure smoother transitions as the condition progresses and reduces burden on those who provide care.

The use of door alarms, medication management apps, automated reminders and dispensers, and home monitoring devices provide added protection and peace of mind. These tools allow caregivers to continue working, live outside the home when necessary, and support their own well-being without constant supervision.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias are often accompanied by challenging behaviors that are not only difficult for caregivers but can also impact safety in the home. Personalities may appear different and individuals may say things they never would have before. Wandering or sundowning can lead to agitation, confusion, and falls. Consistent routines, clear communication strategies, and de-escalation supports are essential to helping individuals remain at home safely.

The Urgency of Action

Indiana is aging, and more than 121,000 Hoosiers over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Over 219,000 caregivers across the state provide unpaid care (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). These numbers are increasing, and so is the pressure on families and communities for care of their loved ones.

The economic burden is just as significant. Dementia-related care will cost the United States more than 360 billion dollars in 2024. Families carry most of that cost with nearly 70 percent of lifetime expenses covered through unpaid labor and out-of-pocket spending (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).

It is also important to recognize that access to resources is not equitable across urban areas, rural communities, and low-income households. Financial stress, limited community services, and the inability to modify homes create barriers to successful aging in place. As the population continues to age, improving access to care and reducing financial burden for families must be addressed.

Why Early Detection and Education Matter

One of the most effective ways to improve dementia outcomes is early diagnosis. When healthcare providers are trained to recognize cognitive changes sooner, they can use imaging, differential diagnoses, and new blood-based biomarkers to act early (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Early detection leads to better planning, improved coordination of care, and less stress for families.

A Proven Framework: The 4Ms

Once cognitive changes are identified, providers can apply evidence-based tools  to keep individuals safe and independent. One of the most widely adopted models is the 4Ms—What Matters, Medications, Mentation, and Mobility. This framework helps align care with an individual’s values, avoid harmful medications, identify early cognitive changes, and support physical function (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2021).

When applied early, the 4Ms can extend independence and improve quality of life, and the consistent use of the 4Ms also supports healthier brain and body functioning, which may help reduce hospitalizations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Alzheimer’s Association, 2024), reduce cost of care, slow decline, and improve overall safety at home.

Each “M” plays an important role:

•  What Matters is keeping care connected to personal values and meaningful  engagement.

•  Medications ensure treatments are safe, appropriate, and not contributing to cognitive decline.

•  Mentation focuses on screening, early detection, and treatment of memory and thinking changes.

•  Mobility supports safe movement, reduces falls, and prevents complications that accelerate decline.

Support Programs Strengthen Care at Home

Dementia support programs are critical for both individuals and caregivers. These services reduce caregiver burnout, delay the need for long-term care placement (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Alzheimer’s Association, 2024), and connect families with local resources and planning tools. Caregivers who receive education about disease progression and have time to prepare for long-term care are more confident and less likely to experience burnout.

Looking Ahead

Aging in place with dementia is possible, but it requires proactive planning, community commitment, and early access to support. It is essential that families receive  guidance, education, and necessary resources for their loved ones. Healthcare professionals need training and tools. For loved ones to stay home, homes must be modified for safety and daily living needs (National Institute on Aging, 2023). With the right planning and partnerships, more people with dementia can remain in the places they know and love.

Moving forward, a few steps can create lasting impact: encouraging early screening and diagnosis, promoting healthy lifestyle habits and social engagement, improving access to caregiver resources, and continuing to build dementia-friendly communities. These changes can play a meaningful role in helping loved ones age in place successfully.

APA Reference List

1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org

2. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s disease statistics: Indiana. https://www.alz.org

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Alzheimer’s disease and healthy aging. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/aging

4. Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2021). Age-Friendly Health Systems: Guide to using the 4Ms. Institute for Healthcare Improvement. http://www.ihi.org

5. National Institute on Aging. (2023). Home safety for Alzheimer’s disease. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov

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Kelley Brown is a speech-language pathologist with experience across clinical and community settings, specializing in adults with progressive neurological disorders. She has developed cognitive wellness programs, created practical tools for families, and supported caregivers through the challenges of complex diagnoses.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Kelley is someone who will drop anything to help those around her. She enjoys a good puzzle of a problem and either finding a way to improve or solve it. Outside of her professional role, Kelley enjoys traveling with friends and family, exploring local food spots, and a good movie night. She admires those who run for fun, but has fully embraced her identity as a committed leisurely walker. Guided by purpose, Kelley is committed to always making a meaningful impact wherever she serves.

Summit Managed Solutions is a management consulting and professional services firm that partners with healthcare organizations across the private, public, and social sectors to create value. By providing comprehensive solution management and inclusive business operation services, Summit helps deliver specific, transformative outcomes. With consulting and managed service offerings, Summit helps partners overcome the critical challenges associated with people, process, and technology, while providing partners with flexibility, reliability, and innovation that will propel growth.