Healthy
Living -- pages 20 - 23
To your Health !
This touching appeal has been on social media quite a bit lately . We felt compelled to share it , as well !
If I get dementia , I ’ d like my family , friends , and caregivers to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live . I want them to remember these things :
If I get dementia ...
1 ) I want my friends and family to embrace my reality . 2 ) If I think my spouse is still alive , or if I think we ’ re visiting my parents for dinner , let me believe those things . I ’ ll be much happier for it . 3 ) Don ’ t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you . 4 ) If I am not sure who you are , do not take it personally . My timeline is confusing to me . 5 ) If I can no longer use utensils , don ' t feed me . Instead , switch me to a finger-food diet , and see if I can still feed myself . 6 ) If I am sad or anxious , hold my hand and listen . Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded . 7 ) I don ’ t want to be treated like a child . Talk to me like the adult that I am . 8 ) I still want to enjoy the things that I ’ ve always enjoyed . Help me find a way to exercise , read , and visit with friends . 9 ) Ask me to tell you a story from my past . 10 ) Treat me the way that you would want to be treated . 11 ) Make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house . Even now if I don ’ t eat I get angry , and if I have dementia , I may have trouble explaining what I need . 12 ) Don ’ t talk about me as if I ’ m not in the room . 13 ) Don ’ t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day , 7 days a week . It ’ s not your fault , and you ’ ve done your best . Find someone who can help you , or choose a great new place for me to live . 14 ) If I live in a dementia care community , please visit me often . 15 ) Don ’ t act frustrated if I mix up names , events , or places . Take a deep breath . It ’ s not my fault . 16 ) Make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot . 17 ) If I like to pick up items and carry them around , help me return those items to their original place . 18 ) Don ’ t exclude me from parties and family gatherings . 19 ) Know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes . 20 ) Remember that I am still the person you know and love .
William R . Forse , OD
Family Eye Care
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20 “ Good News ” -- December -- www . bearcountrygoodnews . com