Eleven Requests from People with Alzheimer

Eleven Requests from People with Alzheimer’s
Please…

1. Be patient with me. My brain disease is beyond my control.

2. Accept me the way I am. I still have something to offer you.

3. Talk with and listen to me. I can’t always answer but I do understand the tone of your voice and your expression of interest. Because I cannot remember does not mean that I am dumb.

4. Be kind to me. Your kindness may be the highlight of my day.

5. Don’t hurry me. Each day I struggle to keep up and understand.

6. Consider my feelings. I am sensitive to shame, embarrassment, failure, fear, and uncertainty. Don’t ignore me. You can touch me—I am not contagious. I don’t want to be invisible.

7. Treat me with dignity. I am not less of a person because I have Alzheimer’s disease. I would do the same for you if our positions were reversed.

8. Remember my past. Remind me of previous successes, values, and worth.

9. Remember my present. I am a frightened but still-loving church member who misses my family, home, and church very much. Let me do what I can do. Break down activities into steps I can handle. I respond to encouragement.

10. Remember my future. I need hope for tomorrow.

11. Love me… and your gifts of love will be a blessing of light on all our lives.

http://www.southeastchristian.org/relationships/care.aspx?id=2108