To My Family & Friends
21 February 2023
VERY IMPORTANT for EVERYONE’S adult children and friends to read!!!!
βπΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, Iβd like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think weβre visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. Iβll be much happier for it.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, donβt argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, I donβt want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, I still want to enjoy the things that Iβve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, ask me to tell you a story from my past.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I donβt eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, donβt talk about me as if Iβm not in the room.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, donβt feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Itβs not your fault, and youβve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, donβt act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. Itβs not my fault.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original places.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, donβt exclude me from parties and family gatherings.
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes..(easy on the hugs)
πΌπ» πΌ πππ πΉππππππΎπΆ, remember that I am still the person you know and love.β
The best of me is gone.
Be with me and love me until I die.
(Thank Patti Girard)
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