10 WAYS TO HELP A LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA
- Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about its effects and how to respond.
- Stay in touch. A card, a call, or a visit means a lot and shows you care.
- Be patient. Adjusting to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is an ongoing process; each person reacts differently.
- Offer a shoulder to lean on. The disease can create stress for the entire family. Simply offering your support and friendship is helpful.
- Engage the person with dementia in conversation. It’s important to involve the person in conversation even when his or her ability to participate becomes more limited.
- Offer to help the family with its to-do list. Prepare a meal, run an errand, or provide a ride.
- Engage family members in activities. Invite them to take a walk or participate in other activities.
- Offer family members a reprieve. Spend time with the person living with dementia so family members can go out alone or visit with friends.
- Be flexible. Don’t get frustrated if your offer of support is not accepted immediately. The family may need time to assess its needs.
- Support the Alzheimer’s cause.