At Right at Home East Lancashire & Ribble Valley we know that caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia takes an endless amount of patience. Our Caregivers are trained to handle difficult situations and respond to the varying moods of their clients – but family caregivers usually have no previous experience to draw on.
We have listed below “The 10 Absolutes” for when caring for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. These are great advice when improving communication with people suffering from this disease which we hope family caregivers will find helpful. If you have any questions regarding Alzheimer’s and Dementia care for your loved ones please contact us.
1. Never argue, instead agree.
2. Never reason, instead divert.
3. Never shame, instead distract.
4. Never lecture, instead reassure.
5. Never say “remember”, instead reminisce.
6. Never say “I told you”, instead repeat/regroup.
7. Never say “you can’t”, instead do what they can.
8. Never command/demand, instead ask/model
9. Never condescend, instead encourage/praise.
10. Never force, instead reinforce.
The “10 Absolutes” were created in 1996 by Jo Huey who was previously an Alzheimer’s caregiver and now works as an Alzheimer’s advocate.
