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.
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