What Child Caregivers Really Appreciate

If you are friends with someone whose parent has dementia, the most important way you can help is to listen. You don't need to comment on everything, or dig up a story of your own. Your ability to hang out with someone who is expressing pain and loss means that you are a person of strength and character. Keep going. Just be there.

If you really want to do something specific, say more than "Let me know what I can do to help..." Your friend is suffering, and may not know the answer to that question. Instead, think about what you would want if one of your parents began to disappear, slowly and painfully, from your life. Invite your friend to go hiking, to the mall, to see a movie, to eat lunch, or over to your house for a homework session. You might even offer to assist with caretaking duties one day. If you do, you'll understand more about what your friend is going through. Offer anything you know s/he may have trouble requesting, but will appreciate. Also, be sure to check in fairly regularly to see how everything is going. Most of the time, you don't need to plan an elaborate outing. You just need to offer your time and attention.

Because you care enough to read this, you are welcome to peruse the rest of the site to learn more about what is affecting your friend's loved one and family: When Dementia is in the House

You can send the URL of this page to your friends to help them understand what you might need from them. Copy the URL below and paste into your email:

www.lifeandminds.ca/whendementiaisinthehouse/ts_sec4_2.html

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