A note to the future: Anne Weeks posted this on her facebook and asked people to share. So why not?
If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.
1a. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.”
NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.
1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.
2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.
3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.
5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.
6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.
7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.
9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.
10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.
11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.
12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.
13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.
14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.
15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.
16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.
17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.
18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.
19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.
20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.
21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”
In honour of all those I know and love and lost who are fighting Dementia/Alzheimer’s.
You may like to ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴀsᴛᴇ this, in honour of someone you know or knew who has or had dementia.
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Cat news: Obadiah spent a lot of time building a cat run, with ramps and ladders to go over the roof and down to a “catio”. He’s recently discovered he’s not alone in building such a folly the city of Berne. Switzerland has stepped up and confessed to being the home of cat ladders.
There’s a book book, Arcatecture – Swiss Cat Ladders, by Brigitte Schuster, a German photographer, writer and graphic designer, who admits she was “amazed” when she moved to Bern. “Certain elements appear repeatedly, including anti-nuclear flags, bathtubs converted into planters, garden tools, graffiti, children’s toys, building decorations, bicycles, old objects offered for free, Christmas decorations, and, above all, the blue City of Bern garbage bags. You can even find palm trees in Bern!”And here’s one of her pics to prove it.
Obadiah is envious!
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Fruit evangelism: Obadiah has been following the intrepid church planting team at St Luke’s Burwood North, especially as most of them were from his church. Fruit – oranges , apples and I think I heard bananas, featured in their publicity for an Alpha course they are running even before they do a formal lunch next month.
The fruit with a QR code was handed out at Burwood park over three weeks. “It was cool to see some people using the QR codes straioght away, which generated converstions in the park.” Some sign-ups for Alpha came as a respones.
Someone called this approach “old school” which Obadiah assumes means its been used before. Congrats to whoever thought of it. Prayers for the alpha course.