A gentle guide and tribute for living with dignity through dementia
Every time you enter the room, announce yourself: “Hi A Dementia Patient, it’s…”
NEVER ask: "Do you know who I am?" That causes anxiety.
Embrace my reality. 🌸
If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it. ❤️
Don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you. 👍🏽❤️👍🏽
If I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
If I can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet and see if I can still feed myself. ❤️🥰❤️🥰
If I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.
I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am. ❤️
I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends. ❤️
Ask me to tell you a story from my past.
If I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me. ❤️
Treat me the way that you would want to be treated. ❤️
Make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now, if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need. ❤️
Don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room. 👍🏽
Don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24/7. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live. 👍🏽
If I live in a care community, please visit me often. ❤️
Don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault. 👍🏽
Make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot. ❤️❤️❤️
If I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place. 👍🏽
Don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings. ❤️
Know that I still like receiving hugs and plenty of laughter. ❤️🥰❤️
Remember that I am still the person you know and love. 🌼❤️
In honor of someone you know or knew who has dementia. In honor of all those I know, love, and lost who are fighting dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Someone once said that if you take care of someone with dementia, you lose them more and more every day: when they get the diagnosis, when they go through different stages, when they need care, and when they pass away.
This is called "the longest goodbye." As the brain slowly changes, they physically alter and eventually may forget who their loved ones are, sometimes ending up bedridden and unable to eat or drink.
There will be people who may not know what it's like to have a loved one who has battled or is still battling dementia. To raise awareness of this cruel disease, feel free to share this page today.
A special thank you to anyone acknowledging Dementia Awareness Week (September 21-27).
If you or someone you know is navigating dementia or Alzheimer’s, wonderful guidance and support are available: