1. The person is the same      individual as before, the only      difference is that they are ill.      Respect their dignity and self      esteem.

2. Do not say “I am going to do      this”, or “I am going to do      that”, but instead ask them:      “Can I do this or what would       you like me to do? ”.

3. Do not talk about them in front     of other people.

4. Do not shout at the person     you are caring for. Speak to     them in a soft,
    kind voice.

5. Sufferers can read your body      language, so try not to show      your frustration and anger, but      instead be positive.

6. Do not aggravate them by     insisting that what they say is     not true, or the object or     people they think they see, is     not really there. Try instead to
    distract them from the subject.

7. Remove dirty items of clothing      lying around when they are      not looking. Replace them      with clean ones.

8. Allow extra time for dressing     or doing things which were     previous easy to do.

9. Try and obtain clothes, which     are easy to put on. Obtain         shoes and slippers that the     persons can slip on.

10. If there are things which they       enjoy doing, although It may       take longer; encourage them       to continue doing them.

12. Make sure they have a            balanced diet. Plenty of
      fruits and vegetables.

14. Make sure dentures are well        fitted and food can be
       easily chewed.

15. Make sure they drink a lot of        fluids.

16. Keep an eye on their bowel       movements, as
      constipation may occur and       increase confusion.

17. Look out for urinary tract        infection (they may pass
       urine more often or complain        of a burning sensation when        they pass urine). If this        happens consult your doctor.        Try and maintain good        personal hygiene at all times.

18. Ensure that after bathing, the       areas between the
      legs, toes and fingers and       palm of hands are properly       dried and creamed or       moisturized.

19. If the person you are caring for       complains of itching or       constant scratching of their       Genitals (Private Part) consult       his or her doctor

20. Check their hearing and        eyesight as these may cause        added confusion to the        sufferer.

21. Try and engage them in        pastimes and hobbies they
       once enjoyed.

22. Do not take it for granted that        everyone who suffers from        dementia loves the same        games or music.

23. Make sure that all gas and        electrical appliances in the        house are made safe

24. Use a small black board to        write messages reminders.

25. Do not isolate yourself.

26. Get in touch with one of the        support groups. Remember        you may need help or        someone to talk
       to about your feelings.

27. You may wish to change any        long-term security numbers.        For example security locks.

28. Always leave water in the        kettle, as turning this on
       without water may become a        fire hazard.

29. They may say or do things as if        they were living in the West        Indies or Africa in times gone        by. Try and understand and        learn about the culture of that        time.

30. If they do not wish to change        their clothes or perform a        particular task at a specific        time, and it is not a danger to
       themselves or any one else,        just leave them. They will do it        in their own time. Insisting will        make them aggressive and        make you angry and frustrated.

31. It may be necessary to put a        pinafore or equivalent on, at        mealtime or if he or she is        dribbling. It will help to keep        them clean and dry.

32. If you are uncomfortable with        the condition, you can           telephone any of the help lines.        They will listen to you.