For caregivers:
Don’t argue.
Don’t confront.
Don’t reason.
Don’t take it personally.

Wow! I find this an interesting question. (What advice am I grateful to share) I would have to say what has been said before and that is (Patience). With many things that a caregiver needs to deal with, Patience is a key to each and everything a caregiver needs to deal with. I care for my wife of almost 52 years, it has taken me some time to realize that I am no longer doing half, I'm doing all or if I don't do it all I must see that what I don't do that I have someone to do it for me. Sometimes when I go to fix some lunch or a snack I feel like I just want to punch something but I need to think about (Patience). Even when I get away by myself I need to think about (Patience) again to realize that I have some needed time for me. I for one get so many things running thru my mind and I find that I need time to be Patient and let my mind calm down. I try to do my best.

This question is worded oddly to me, so I'll answer what I think it's asking: I'm grateful when people tell me I'm doing well. I'm grateful when people give me advice that is concrete and not things like: Have hope! Don't give up! Things will get better! I'm grateful for people that are patient with me.

Remember that your loved one did not choose to have dementia, and neither did you.

Dear Alzheimer's folks;

I helped care for Mom for 10 years. She went from 0 to stage 4 in a few
days. She had spoke to me about Alzheimer's before because her Mom had it.
Mom was petrified of getting it.
One of the things I ALWAYS made sure of was to never mention Alzheimer's to
her once she was sick. She was in a care home for awhile and I told them
never to say that word to her. Once she asked me where she was and I
replied, " in your room". She was happy with that.
I never ever tried to force her to remember something or someone. Or tell
her she had just said that . Things like this. I met my Mom where she was
at every time. If you force them to remember it's very hard on them and
yourself. Just be with them.
I would say who I am once at first of seeing her and that was it. I stroked
her face and hair a lot and found she liked her cheeks gently stroked.
That's another thing, be very very gentle and speak soft, never yell. I
made sure her favorite radio station was on (oldies 104am). She was
nonverbal most of time but she loved the music.
I was lucky to give to Mom just a bit of what she gave me her whole life.
It's not what you do or say that matters to them. It's that they know
someone loves them.

That's all I have for now. Hope it's helpful.

Thank you
Cath'e Wooton