Ten Rules for Happier Caregiving

Someone posted this on the Facebook Lewy Body Dementia Carers website recently. It is so apt, we just had to pass it on!

When dealing with a person living with dementia:

1. Agree, never argue
2. Divert, never reason
3. Distract, never shame
4. Reassure, never lecture
5. Reminisce, never say "remember"
6. Repeat, never say "I told you"
7. Do what they can, never say "you can't"
8. Ask, never demand
9. Encourage, never condescend
10. Reinforce, never force

And here's one from us as a bonus:

• Apologize, never defend

This is just the sort of information that's in our Responsive Dementia Care book, put into a simple list that you can post somewhere for quick reminders. (We all need these!!) Thanks to the Facebook poster and to her source, Cerescan.com/conditions/Alzheimers. BTW, I've been monitoring the Lewy Body Dementia Carers page for some time now and it is a very worthwhile resource. If you haven't joined yet, consider doing so right away! As for Cerescan, they are apparently an independent diagnosing company that sounds interesting but which we know nothing about.

For more information about Lewy body disorders, read our books:
A Caregivers’ Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia
Responsive Dementia Care: Fewer Behaviors Fewer Drugs
Riding A Roller Coaster with Lewy Body Dementia: A Manual for Staff

Helen and James Whitworth are not doctors, lawyers or social workers. As informed caregivers, they share the information here for educational purposes only. It should never be used instead of a professional's advice.