Important Reminders
Tuesday February 27, 2024
- Try to celebrate each day. Alzheimer’s disease and other progressive dementias only get worse over time. There is no cure. Find joy where you can.
- Your loved one is doing the best they can. They have a broken brain. Be gentle with them.
- Don’t take negative behaviors personally. Your loved one is not intentionally trying to hurt you.
- Reassurance and empathy are some of your best caregiving tools. When they worry (and they will), reassure them that everything is okay. Listen to their concerns and empathize with them.
- Do the adulting now, when it’s NOT an emergency. Plan for housing, finances, advanced directives, living wills, etc. It’s much easier to make those decisions when you aren’t in crisis.
- Stop talking every once in a while and give your loved one time to speak. Finding the right words to use can be hard for people living with dementia. Allow your loved one extra time to tell you what they need to say. This extra time will help them express their thoughts. Give them the dignity of really hearing them.
- Try something fun! Your life is hard right now. You and your loved one need more fun. Think about elevating your everyday activities. For example, instead of just watching TV, have a movie night with popcorn, candy, and sodas. Instead of just taking a bath, give your loved one a spa day with candles, a bath bomb, and relaxing music.
- Always treat your loved one like an adult. They are not a child. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Give them choices when you can.
- Take advantage of free resources. Join a support group. A community of support makes all the difference. Come get free books and resources from Page Robbins. Search online for free resources. We like Hilarity for Charity, The Dementia Guru (Ashley), and Be Light Care (Adria) – just to name a few!
- Remember: self-care isn’t selfish, it’s required! Go to your own doctor’s appointments. Get your hair cut. If you can make it happen, go on a vacation without your loved one. Eat a nutritious meal. Take a deep breath. Meditate. Take a nap. Drink water.
