How to Show Love and Appreciation for Someone With Alzheimer's--Carol's Thoughts

Joe, you get so much traffic on your blog and I thought I would give my impressions on how we caregivers/family members can emotionally support people with Alzheimer's and dementia.

1. Don't do everything for me.
2. Listen carefully and figure out the feelings behind what I am saying.
3. Don't nag me. Create a checklist for me that helps me remember. The rest of the world has to use check lists also.
4. Enjoy my personality—I am not the disease of Alzheimer's.
5. Plan outings with me and don’t be embarrassed by whatever I do or say in public.
6. Give me visual clues for memory including a calendar.
7. Sing and joke with me.
8. Bring me into your world.
9. Say one thought at a time.

So Joe, since you are my Alzheimer's sounding board, what would you add to this list to make you feel loved and appreciated?

Carol