No two people experience dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in the same way. As a result, there is no one approach to caregiving that works for everyone every time. Flexibility is important.

Your caregiving responsibilities can range from making financial decisions, managing changes in behavior, to helping a loved one get dressed in the morning.

Handling these duties is hard work. But by learning caregiving skills, you can make sure that your loved one feels supported and is living a full life. You must also ensure that you are taking steps to preserve your own well-being.

Ten “NEVERS” for Caregivers

• Never Argue.....Instead, Agree.
• Never Reason.....Instead, Divert.
• Never Shame.....Instead, Distract.
• Never Lecture.....Instead, Reassure.
• Never say “REMEMBER?”.....Instead, Reminisce.
• Never say “I TOLD YOU”.....Instead, Repeat.
• Never say “YOU CAN”T.....Instead say, “Do What You Can”.
• Never Command or Demand.....Instead, Ask or Model.
• Never Condescend.....Instead Encourage and Praise.
• Never Force.....Instead Reinforce.