Alzheimer's caregivers need all the help they can get. If you'd like to help, but don't know how, here are some tips.
Everybody says the same thing when a friend is going through a difficult time: "Let me know how I can help." But such offers are often difficult to accept — primarily because they're not specific.
It's much easier to accept concrete offers, such as:
"I'm going to the grocery store. May I pick up a few things for you?"
"I've got a couple of hours free tomorrow afternoon. May I sit in for you while you run a few errands?"
"I made an extra big meatloaf so that I could share it with you. I brought enough to last you for several meals."
"Do you need some laundry done? I can come over today and do it. Or maybe I could help you sort medical bills or do dishes."
Even sending a card or making a phone call means a lot.
Often visits are even better
Sometimes a caregiver just needs a little contact with the outside world.
Be gently persistent in your offers of help
