Do's, Don'ts & Expectations

DO...
• Keep everything as simple as possible.

• Give instructions one step at a time.

• Keep your loved one occupied with simple chores.

• Remember they will follow you around and want to know where you are at all times.

• Maintain a daily, structured routine.

• Minimize distractions, noise and confusion.

• Provide memory aids and cues when possible.

• Be gentle - provide affection and support.

• Maintain a sense of humor and acknowledge small successes.

• Get respite time away from your role as a caregiver.

DON'T...
• Expect answers to your questions to be accurate.

• Get irritated when they ask the same question over and over.

• Give them too much responsibility.

• Expect them to properly identify people, places or things.

• Get upset, raise your voice or scold the patient.

• Take the person's behavior personally - it's the disease!!

• Argue with the patient or try to rationalize with them.

EXPECT...
• Sleep disturbances.

• Symptoms to worsen in the evening.

• Behavior changes when there are major changes in daily life.

• Patients to be anxious, frustrated and to deny their problems.

• To have normal feelings such as guilt, anger, sorrow or helplessness.