NNHC Resource Center
Alzheimer’s Disease Resources
A practical starting point for individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s disease, with trusted information on safety, communication, caregiving, planning, and where to find additional support.
If Memory Changes Are New or Worsening
Memory loss, confusion, or changes in behavior can have many causes. A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate new or worsening symptoms rather than assuming they are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Start With the Right Next Steps
After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, families often need to address several areas at once. These are useful places to begin.
Build a Care Team
Keep the primary care clinician and relevant specialists informed about changes in memory, behavior, mobility, eating, sleep, medications, and safety concerns.
Plan for Home Safety
Review fall hazards, medication access, cooking risks, door safety, emergency contacts, and other risks that may change as the disease progresses.
Prepare for Changing Needs
Discuss legal, financial, transportation, caregiving, and long-term care decisions early enough for the person living with Alzheimer’s to participate when possible.
Communication & Daily Care
Predictability, reassurance, and simple communication can reduce frustration and make daily routines easier for everyone involved.
Use Calm, Simple Communication
Speak slowly, ask one question at a time, avoid unnecessary arguing, and allow extra time for the person to respond.
Keep Routines Predictable
Consistent times for meals, bathing, medications, activity, and sleep can make the day easier to understand and navigate.
Look for the Reason Behind Behavior
Pain, fear, hunger, fatigue, overstimulation, infection, medication effects, or a change in the environment can sometimes contribute to sudden behavior changes.
Caregiver Support Matters Too
Caregiving can become physically and emotionally demanding. Respite, education, support groups, and help from family or community services can reduce the burden on one person.
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline
Free, confidential support is available around the clock at 800-272-3900 for people living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.
North Carolina Caregiver Support
NC’s Family Caregiver Support Program can help eligible caregivers access information, counseling, training, respite, and supplemental services.
South Carolina Caregiver Support
SC’s Family Caregiver Support Program provides information, counseling, caregiver training, respite, and other support through local aging networks.
Tools Worth Bookmarking
These resources can help families move from information to an actual plan.
ALZNavigator
Build a personalized action plan based on your current situation, including safety, planning, support, and local resources.
NIA Alzheimer’s Caregiving
Federal guidance covering everyday care, safety, behavior, communication, self-care, hospital visits, and finding additional help.
CDC Caregiving Resources
Public-health information for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, including caregiver well-being and care planning.
How NNHC Can Help
When home support becomes part of the plan, Nurturing Nurses HomeCare can discuss personal care, respite, companion support, skilled nursing, and other services that may fit the individual’s assessed needs and payer requirements.
Resource notice: This page is educational and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, emergency care, legal advice, or individualized care planning. External programs, eligibility requirements, and services may change. Resource links reviewed September 18, 2026.