Ask Dr. Marc: Can my loved one still do all their self-care?

July 2025

This is a question I hear often, and the answer really depends on where your loved one is in their dementia journey. In the early stages, many people are still very capable of handling most, if not all, of their daily self-care. They may need gentle reminders or some help with organizing tasks, but they often continue dressing, bathing, and managing hygiene with little issue.

As dementia progresses, though, these tasks can become more difficult. It’s not just about physical ability, it’s about remembering the steps involved, making good decisions, and staying safe. For example, your loved one might forget to rinse shampoo from their hair or have trouble dressing in weather-appropriate clothing.

The key is to balance support with dignity. Let your loved one do what they can safely, and step in when they need help. Keeping a routine, using visual prompts, and offering calm encouragement can go a long way.

At Lizzy Care, we help families figure out when it’s time to step in and how to do so in a respectful way that keeps everyone feeling comfortable and confident.

Each month, Dr. Marc Rothman, our CEO and a seasoned geriatric expert, addresses your concerns, providing practical advice and compassionate solutions to the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia. Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage daily care routines or need clarity on medical aspects of dementia, Dr. Marc is here to help. Join us to explore his responses to community questions and submit your own queries to deepen your understanding and enhance your caregiving journey.

If there’s a question you’d like to ask Dr. Marc send it to us.