Your Guide to Caregiving for Dementia & Alzheimer’s in New Braunfels

Hands of an elderly woman holding a purple ribbon for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month on a gray background

September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on how families in our community can better support loved ones living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

At ComForCare New Braunfels, we know the challenges of caregiving go far beyond daily tasks. They touch every part of family life, from emotional well-being to long-term planning. That’s why our team is here to walk beside families in New Braunfels and beyond as they navigate this journey.

What You’ll Find in This Article

  • How to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • The benefits of in-home Alzheimer’s care in New Braunfels
  • What makes our caregiver training program unique
  • Practical tips for easing into care and supporting family caregivers
  • Guidance on respite care, hospice timing, and local resources available to you

Our goal is to provide clarity, support, and trusted information so you feel more confident in planning care for your loved one.

Recognizing the Signs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Many families first notice subtle changes before realizing something more serious may be happening. These signs can include:

  • Short-term memory loss that disrupts daily activities
  • Confusion about time or place
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Personality or mood changes

If you’re concerned, you can use a free tool like Ohio State’s Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE), which is an Alzheimer’s test with 12 questions you can easily answer at home. It’s designed to help you catch issues early so you can have meaningful conversations with your physician.

7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Chart

Many families also find it helpful to see how Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses over time. The framework below, known as the Global Deterioration Scale, gives a clearer picture of what changes may occur as the disease progresses.

StageDescriptionCommon Symptoms
Stage 1No ImpairmentNo memory problems or symptoms.
Stage 2Very Mild DeclineOccasional memory lapses (misplacing keys, forgetting names), often dismissed as “normal aging.”
Stage 3Mild DeclineNoticeable difficulty with organization, word-finding, or remembering new names. Family members may start to notice changes.
Stage 4Moderate DeclineTrouble with complex tasks like managing finances, traveling alone, or meal planning. Personality changes may appear.
Stage 5Moderately Severe DeclineIncreasing need for assistance with daily activities such as dressing or bathing. Memory gaps and cognitive decline more significant.
Stage 6Severe DeclineMajor personality changes, loss of awareness of surroundings, and difficulty recognizing familiar people. Requires extensive assistance.
Stage 7Very Severe DeclineLoss of ability to communicate, walk, or control movement. 24/7 care needed.

Note that different forms of dementia have their own symptoms, and everyone’s journey through their condition is unique. These steps aren’t always clear-cut, but the good news is that professional caregiving can make the journey through any type of dementia easier.

Alzheimer’s Care at Home in New Braunfels & Beyond

For many families, keeping a loved one at home is the priority. Alzheimer’s disease home care allows individuals to remain in familiar surroundings while still receiving the support they need. 

In-home caregivers can help with:

  • Daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation
  • Safe mobility and fall prevention
  • Medication reminders
  • Companionship to reduce feelings of isolation
  • Flexible schedules, from short visits to 24/7 care

Options for Families Getting Started with Caregiving for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's caregiver brushes a client's hair in New Braunfels

Easing Into Care

Starting care doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Many families begin with part-time support—perhaps a few hours a week—before transitioning to longer shifts as needs increase. This gradual approach gives everyone time to adjust and helps the person with dementia feel more comfortable.

Respite Care: Support for Family Caregivers

Caring for a loved one is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Respite care provides short-term relief for family caregivers, allowing time to rest, run errands, or simply recharge. 

As part of the new Medicare GUIDE program, qualifying dementia clients can now receive up to $2,500 annually toward respite services. For families in New Braunfels, this is a game-changer, making high-quality support more accessible than ever.

Local Support for Alzheimer’s Disease

Living with Alzheimer’s should never be a journey walked alone. In addition to our care services, families in the New Braunfels and San Antonio areas can connect with support groups, educational workshops, and community resources designed to offer guidance and encouragement.

Here are two good places to start:

  • Alzheimer’s Association: This San Antonio and South Texas Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Groups page has helpful information and an event search tool to help you locate a support group near you.
  • Alzheimer’s Texas: State-wide group offering education, support groups, caregiver consults, phone/online services, help finding local providers. They are a good go-to for general help and early-stage support.
  • Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation (Senior Center): Offers senior-oriented community programs, socialization, meals, activities. Good for families looking for local engagement and relief from isolation.

When to Call Hospice for Dementia

Hospice is typically recommended in the final months of life, when medical providers determine that life expectancy is six months or less. However, home care can begin much earlier, providing comfort, safety, and peace of mind throughout all stages of the disease. 

Our team works seamlessly alongside hospice agencies when that time comes. But until then, we’re here to help everyone in your family feel comfortable, find meaning, and enjoy their time with their loved ones.

Why Families Choose ComForCare New Braunfels

Every home care agency provides basic services, but at ComForCare, the difference lies in our people. We hire less than 2% of applicants, which keeps our team highly trained and deeply compassionate. 

With average caregiver tenure over a decade, families can count on steady, trusted relationships built to last.

DementiaWise® 2.0: Training Backed by Duke University

Another major factor that sets us apart is the way we train our team to care for people living with dementia. Every caregiver goes through DementiaWise® 1.0 and 2.0, a program endorsed by Duke University. 

This training goes beyond basics by giving caregivers real-world tools to handle the tough moments with patience and compassion, while also creating meaningful activities that make each day brighter.

This advanced program equips caregivers to:

  • Recognize and respond to dementia symptoms with skill and compassion
  • Adapt personal care routines as the disease progresses
  • Create meaningful daily activities that promote dignity and independence
  • Support family caregivers with strategies that improve quality of life for everyone involved

DementiaWise helps our caregivers deliver personalized, consistent care that’s rooted in understanding.

Taking the First Step

If you’ve been wondering how to care for someone with dementia or exploring options for Alzheimer’s care at home, ComForCare New Braunfels is here to help. Whether you live in San Marcos, Cibolo, or right here in town, our team can create a personalized care plan that evolves with your loved one’s needs.

Learn More About Our In-Home Care Services 

We serve families across New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Universal City, Seguin, and the I-35 corridor up to Kyle. Wherever you are, we bring care directly to your home. Call us anytime at (830) 632-5887 to learn more or schedule a free in-home consultation. 

Together, we can improve your loved one’s quality of life and give you peace of mind.

Each office is independently owned and operated and is an equal opportunity employer.

Andrea and Chad Otte
ComForCare Home Care (New Braunfels, TX)
Operated By: 
Andrea and Chad Otte
Office Phone:  
(830) 632-5887
Fax Number: (830) 631-8048
1281 Common Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130
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