In the workshops that we give to seniors one of the more popular ones is about Dementia. So when the following was posted on Facebook by a cousin of mine l thought the wish list was very well put and I thought I would share it. She got it from Joshua Pettit,the original author. I started the list yesterday. I added a few wishes to his list.
Here is his original wish list with online resources that may help caregivers fulfill each request. These resources provide advice, practical tools, and background knowledge on dementia care:
1.
I get dementia, don’t act
frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not
my fault.
Resource:
Alzheimer’s Society tips on patience and acceptance when memory issues arise: alzheimers.org.uk
2.
If I get dementia, make
sure I always have my favourite music playing within earshot. Resource: "Music &
Memory" nonprofit on the benefits of personalized music for people with
dementia: musicandmemory.org
3.
If I get dementia, and I
like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to
their original place.
Resource:
National Institute on Aging on accommodating dementia-related behaviours and
wandering: nia.nih.gov
4.
If I get dementia, don’t
exclude me from parties and family gatherings.
Resource:
Dementia UK’s advice on inclusive social events for people with dementia: dementiauk.org
5.
If I get dementia, know
that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.
Resource:
Alzheimer’s Association on the importance of touch and maintaining physical
connection: alz.org
6.
If I get dementia,
remember that I am still the person you know and love.
Resource:
Alzheimer's Society emphasizes the need to treat those with dementia as the
person they have always been: alzheimers.org.uk
7.
If I get dementia,
encourage me to participate in art or music activities.
Resource:
Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Creative Arts Therapy resources: alzfdn.org
8.
If I get dementia, create
a calm and comfortable space for me to retreat to when I feel overwhelmed.
Resource:
Dementia-friendly design suggestions by Dementia Australia: dementia.org.au
9.
If I get dementia, remind
me of my accomplishments and things I was proud of.
Resource: Life
story work techniques by the Alzheimer’s Society: alzheimers.org.uk
10.
If I get dementia, please keep family photos and familiar
objects nearby.
Resource: National Institute on Aging on memory aids and
familiar items: nia.nih.gov
11.
If I get dementia, remember that I am
still the person you know and love.
12.
If I get dementia, encourage me to
participate in art or music activities. Creative
activities can stimulate memory and improve mood. Resource: Alzheimer's Foundation offers art and
music therapy ideas: alzfdn.org
13. If I get dementia, create a calm and comfortable space for me to retreat to when I feel overwhelmed. Having a safe, quiet place can be grounding during periods of confusion. Resource: Dementia-friendly design tips are available from Dementia Australia: dementia.org.au
14. If I get dementia, remind me of my accomplishments and things I was proud of. This can help me hold on to my identity and feel valued. Resource: Life story work techniques are outlined by the Alzheimer's Society: alzheimers.org.uk
15. If I get dementia, please keep family photos and familiar objects nearby. 1. Familiar items can serve as comforting connections to my past. Resource: The National Institute on Aging has suggestions for memory aids and familiar objects: nia.nih.gov