By: Deb Taylor
As you participate in all the festivities of the holiday season, please remember to spend time with your loved one(s) with Alzheimer’s. Use these five tips to help you when interacting with someone with Alzheimer’s:
1. Don’t correct them. Just go with the flow
2. Step into their world and keep a good sense of humor
3. Avoid phrases like, “Do you remember?”
4. Communicate at eye level with limited distractions
5. Smile and offer reassurance
Below is a poem from the poignant perspective of the person suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Do Not Ask Me to Remember
Do not ask me to remember,
Don’t try to make me understand,
Let me rest and know you’re with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I’m confused beyond your concept,
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can’t help the way I’m acting,
Can’t be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone,
Please don’t fail to stand beside me,
Love me ’til my life is done.
– Owen Darnell
