Special thanks to Home Instead
for this informative article!
Dear Friend,
In my last Alzheimer’s Reflections email, I asked if you think people look down on dementia sufferers.
As I read all of your responses, I felt a mixture of sadness and hope.
I felt sadness because you told me about friends who stopped calling and visiting when your loved one’s dementia worsened.
You told me about people who seem to think that people with dementia should be kept at home and not taken out in public.
You told me about people who still believe the myth that all people get forgetful when they get old.
And you told me with great indignation that some people believe that those with dementia did something to cause or deserve their misery.
Let me tell you something:
No one deserves to get Alzheimer’s.
No one.
But for as many of you who have experienced all of those unfortunate walls our society has built up around Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, there were just as many of you whose responses reminded me that our world is better than that.
You’ve experienced care and compassion. Kindness and understanding. Love and support.
I envision a world where, until there’s a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, we all treat those affected by dementia with great dignity, compassion and support.
All of the wonderful CAREGivers® and staff members who are part of the Home Instead Senior Care® network share that vision with me.
I hope all of you share that vision, and I hope that together we can begin to change the perceptions of all those around us for the better.
Please take a moment to read the responses from our community for a vivid snapshot of the reality we live in with all its differing perceptions of dementia.
Change begins with understanding.
Thank you to everyone who shared your experiences and your heart.