1. Always announce yourself when you enter the room.
Say: “Hi Mom, it’s [your name].”
Never ask: “Do you know who I am?”
That question can cause confusion or anxiety.
2. Encourage caregivers and loved ones to embrace the reality of dementia.Acknowledging the situation helps provide the best care and compassion possible.
3. If a person with dementia believes something that isn’t true—like thinking their spouse is still alive or that they’re going to visit their parents—don’t correct them.Gently go along with it. These beliefs bring them comfort and joy, and there’s no harm in letting them hold onto that happiness.
4. Please don’t argue with them about what’s true for them versus what’s true for you. You
may see things differently—but both perspectives are real and valid in their own way. What matters most is meeting the person where they are, with empathy and respect.
5. If the person with dementia is unsure who you are, don’t take it personally.Their sense of time and memory can be confusing and disorienting to them.
6. If the person with dementia can no longer use utensils, don’t immediately start feeding them. Try offering finger foods instead and see if they can still feed themselves independently.
7. If the person with dementia seems sad or anxious, hold their hand and listen. Avoid telling them their feelings are wrong or unfounded. What they feel is real to them—and they need comfort, not correction.
8. A person with dementia still deserves to be treated with dignity.Speak to them as the adult they are—never talk down to them or treat them like a child. Respectful communication matters.
9. People with dementia still find joy in the things they’ve always loved.
Support them in continuing to do what brings them happiness—whether it’s exercising, reading, or spending time with friends. Help them stay connected to the life they know.
10. Invite the person with dementia to share their memories.Say something like, “Can you tell me a story from your past?”
Reminiscing can bring comfort, spark joy, and help them feel more connected.
11. If the person with dementia becomes agitated, take the time to understand what might be bothering them.Their distress often has a cause—pain, confusion, fear, or unmet needs. Patience and empathy can help uncover the reason and bring calm.
12. Always treat a person with dementia the way you would want to be treated.With kindness, dignity, patience, and respect—because they still deserve all of that and more.
13. Speak directly to the person with dementia—don’t talk about them as if they aren’t present.Including them in conversations respects their dignity and helps them feel valued.
14. Caregivers should not feel guilty if they cannot provide care 24/7.It’s not their fault—they’ve done their best. It’s important to seek help when needed or find a supportive living situation that ensures the person with dementia receives the care they deserve.
15. If the person with dementia lives in a care community, regular visits are very important.Frequent visits from family and friends help them feel loved, connected, and supported.
16. Ensure the person with dementia always has their favorite music playing nearby.Familiar music can soothe, uplift mood, and evoke positive memories.
17. Don’t exclude the person with dementia from parties and family gatherings.Including them helps them feel valued, connected, and loved.
18. Remember that the person with dementia still appreciates hugs or handshakes.These simple gestures of affection provide comfort and connection.
19. Remember that the person with dementia is still the same person you know and love.Their diagnosis doesn’t change who they are at their core.
