A Message to Family & Friends (created by people with memory loss for people with memory loss)
Please don't correct me. I know better - the information just isn't available to me at that moment.
Remember, my feelings are intact and get hurt easily.
I usually know when the wrong word comes out and I'm as surprised as you are.
I need people to speak a little slower on the telephone.
Try to ignore off-hand remarks that I wouldn't have made in the past. If you focus on it, it won't prevent it from happening again. It just makes me feel worse.
I may say something that is real to me but may not be factual. I am not lying, even if the information is not correct. Don't argue; it won't solve anything.
If I put my clothes on the chair or the floor, it may be because I can't find them in the closet.
If you can anticipate that I am getting into difficulty, please don't draw attention to it, but try to carefully help me through it so nobody else will be aware of the problem.
At a large gathering, please keep an eye on me because I can get lost easily: But please don't shadow my every move. Use gentle respect to guide me.
Sometimes you give me the message that you think I am faking these problems. What you don't see is my terrible confusion and my hurt knowing how you feel.
I don't mean to frustrate you. I know you get impatient and tired of telling me things, three times in a row. Please be patient.
Ask me what I think or want. Don't assume that you know.
Believe I still love you, even if I am having trouble showing it.
Article submitted by: Pam Scott, Marketing Director
Discovery Memory Care
408 W. Washington Street, Sequim
360-207-0756
