Last Updated: November 16, 2018
Although we are taught important life lessons every day, the most memorable come from those we love the most. Caring for a parent or senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease teaches us many great unexpected lessons — both as caregivers and family members — that leave a lasting impression on our lives.
The Top 25 Lessons Learned From Alzheimer’s Caregivers
We asked caregivers on our Facebook page what some of the most important lessons learned from loved ones with Alzheimer’s were.
1. Even though they may ask the same question numerous times, know that it’s important to answer it like it’s the first time they are asking. — Beverly E.
2. My mother used to tell me that her mother came to visit and that they went to the apple orchard and picked apples, and then went to get a malt. I would just say, “That sounds wonderful. I hope you had a nice day with your mother.” She would reply, “Oh, yes, we had a lovely day.” Who cares that it didn’t really happen? If it made her happy, great! — Dani P.
3. Not to disagree with them. If your 88-year-old mother says her mom is alive and she just talked with her on the phone, agree and let it go. Try to have more patience. Yes, they are going to ask the same questions over and over. Expect that and roll with the punches. — Mary L.
4. Not to take what they say personally. They are sick and don’t really mean it. — Sylvia Z.
5. That it is important to enjoy life every day. Don’t worry about what you don’t have and be sure to appreciate what you do. — Clifton P.
6. That it is important to enjoy the memories, and not argue or stress, because one day you’ll want those days back again! — Nita B.
7. That it is important to enjoy your youth. — Kristin D.
8. That it is important to stay in touch with your loved ones. Alzheimer’s doesn’t discriminate and the length of time that people with the disease have always varies. — Roxy L.
9. That people are more important than “things.” — Carla S.
10. That the heart remembers long after the mind forgets. — Judy F.
11. That the things you regret are the things you never did. — Rachelle M.
12. That they need you to stay with them for the long haul. — Tammie F.
13. That they still need our compassion and need be treated with respect. — Elizabeth S.
14. That this is truly “the best of times and the worst of times.” Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I had both of them back, whole and healthy. Though, in my heart, I know their passing was a blessing. Five years have passed and my husband and I still miss our moms. — Elizabeth T.
15. That you can still interact meaningfully with the part of them that is still there. — Deb R.
16. That you need to make time to sit with your loved one and have a cup of tea and a conversation, even if limited. All these things become precious memories. I would give anything to have another precious moment with my Mom. — Marcia D.
17. That you should appreciate the good times you have with your loved one, as they are today and every day. Love them through the confusion. — Michelle P.
18. That you should not press them to remember things and that you shouldn’t take it personally if they don’t remember you. Keep spending time with them with plenty of hugs. — Ann E.
19. “They are good people… and maybe they are just having a bad day, honey.” These are two things from my Mama that I learned the most from. — Toni T.
20. To allow them to live in the moment. One day in their mind they may be a child again, looking for their own mom. The next, they may be a young parent themselves, worried about their child. Allow them that, and answer their questions as best you can to put their mind at ease in that moment. — Lisa F.
21. To always love them, laugh with them, touch them and hold their hand. — Stephany R.
22. To help them live their life truth and create moments of joy for them. — Pamela R.
23. To live your life and enjoy it to the fullest every day! — Tracy R.
24. To love unconditionally, that’s what my Mom taught me. Even though she sometimes had no clue who I was, she never stopped loving me. It was an honor to be her daughter and caregiver. — Laura J.
25. To think of the love, patience and the wonderful support of family… that keeps me going for my husband with Alzheimer’s. — Nancy N.
Above all, remember that you are not alone on this caregiving journey. For additional help, you can use our resources at Alzheimers.net, or contact the Alzheimer’s Association.
Do you have any lessons that you’ve learned from loved ones with Alzheimer’s that we’ve missed? We’d like to hear what Alzheimer’s caregivers’ lessons you’ve learned in the comments below.
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