CAD
USD
GBP
NOK

MY CART (0) | CHECKOUT

  0

Home

Why
Alzheimer's

About
Us

Our
Organization

Our Founder

Our Board

Get
Involved

Start a
Campaign

Become a Volunteer

Donate

Store

Blog

Get
In Touch

Donate
Now

Home / Blog
/ 16 Things I Would Want, If I Got
Dementia

16 Things I Would Want, If I Got Dementia

When you work in dementia care, people tend to ask you a lot of questions.
Probably one of the most common questions that I hear is,

“Are you afraid to get dementia when you’re older?”

Honestly, there are many things that scare me much more than dementia does.
Don’t get me wrong: dementia is a terrible group of diseases. I've been
fortunate, however, to see many of the beautiful moments that people with
dementia can experience.

Just in case I do get dementia, I've written a list of rules I’d like to live
by.

If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall
where I live.

If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to 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.

If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me
like the adult that I am.

If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always
enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.

If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.

If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what
is bothering me.

If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be
treated.

If I get dementia, 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.

If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.

If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. 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 get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit
me often.

If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or
places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.

If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing
within earshot.

If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help
me return those items to their original places.

If I get dementia, don't exclude me from parties and family
gatherings.

If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or
handshakes.

If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and
love.

Rachel Wonderlin

Jan 26, 2015

Like Tweet +1 Email

Previous Post

Next Post

Comments

Susan Phillips Brown:

My precious dad payed away September 21th,2009 with Alzheimer’s! God bless
his soul! I miss him so much everyday My daddy always l knew me but sometimes he
would trick me like I wa 4-5 years old that was okay I had my daddy. I pray that
one day soon a cure to be found! May God bless you!

Jan 28, 2015

Jerry Hall:

Please understand that not all Dementia is Alzheimer’s, my wife has been
suffering from Alzheimer for 10 years and I agree with everything you state, but
WE must let everyone know that speaking and saying that your loved one has
Alzheimer is not anything to be ashamed of. I have had friends that their loved
ones have Alzheimer and they quickly say no she has Dementia. Need to get the
world to accept the disease of Alzheimer, then maybe more funds will come in to
spend on research to help find the cause. Thanks

Jan 26, 2015

Bobbee. Bell:

So true . This is how we tried to treat our daughter. She is now in a home. I
just came from seeing her. I shaved her legs because she didn’t like them to get
harry.She may not know who we are now . But we treat her like she does. She is
55years old and in her sixth year. Thank you

Jan 26, 2015

Do you have a similar story? Tell us about yours. Leave a
comment.

Name

Email

Message

A world without Alzheimer's.

Every dollar makes a difference.

Donate
now

Why Alzheimer's

Twitter

Stay Connected

Connect with us

Copyright © 2016 Purple Elephant .
Developed by DVLP

Close