Caregiver Tips

Dec. 16, 2015 (Chapter 25 Caregiver Tips in my book)

If you are a caregiver for someone who has a memory impairment and they are still able to communicate, please give them the time that they need in order to respond to you. Don't ever tell them that they already told you something, instead just listen to them as if it is the first time that you've heard it. It is not their fault that they repeat things. The problem is with their brain. Is it really worth upsetting someone by telling them that they are repeating something, just because you are tired of hearing the same thing? Just imagine what it is like for the person who is living with a memory impairment. It is not easy for them either.

I also caution caregivers from doing things for the patient that they still can do, but they just need a little help. Don't take away their independence before it needs to be done. Perhaps they can still dress themselves, but they often put their shoes on the wrong feet. You can hand them one shoe at a time and sit or stand on the correct side of their body where the shoe goes. Then do the same for the other shoe. If they can no longer tie them, you can help with that or get some shoes without ties.