Eleven Requests from People with Alzheimer

Notes
Transcript

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.

Copyright © 1995, Duke University Medical Center. “You are one of us” Successful Clergy/Church Connections to Alzheimer’s Families by Lisa P. Gwyther

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

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