WHEN I GET DEMENTIA
When I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things
PLEASE READ ALL 21
1a. EVERY TIME you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.”
NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.
1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.
2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.
3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.
4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.
5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.
6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.
7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.
8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.
9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.
10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.
11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.
12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.
13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.
14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.
15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.
16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.
17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.
18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.
19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.
20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.
21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”
In Honor of all those I know and love and lost who are fighting Dementia/Alzheimer’s.
Dawn Withers
Jul 16, 2025
“Welcome to delicious”… a meal spent at Culver’s is always a delicious treat. Our group headed to a Rockford favorite for frozen custard (oh ya, and other food too) But more importantly….. frozen custard
Dawn Withers
Jul 16, 2025
Take a good look at our up-and-coming celebrity artists. Stainglass was the object of their creativity. Beautiful fragments of color to capture the summer sun in the most amazing way-throwing bits of colored reflection on the walls.
Dawn Withers
Jul 8, 2025
DONUTS WITH GRANDPARENTS!!!!! Join us for a sweet morning of smiles, stories, and sprinkles! Saturday, July 12th 10:00AM-11:50AM at Bickford of Rockford-2nd Floor Living Room We'll have fresh donuts, hot coffee, juice, and milk ready for you and your loved ones. It's the perfect chance to make memories with the grandparents in your life. RSVP today! Text 815-621-3107 Email: Anne.gray@bickfordeniorliving.com Let's make it a morning to remember.. Donuts are the answer, no matter what the question is!
Dawn Withers
Jul 3, 2025
Many hands make light work. Boy was this a massive project that several of our residents worked on with Michelle. This flag turned out beautifully and what a festive reminder of how grand pur flag is! we also were treated to some additional patriotic decorations around the branch.
Dawn Withers
Jul 2, 2025
It’s our favorite season-planting season! There’s nothing quite like getting our hands in the soil and bringing new life to our space. But what makes it even more fun? Customizing our own pots! It’s the perfect way to let our creativity bloom and show off a little personality with every plant.
Dawn Withers
Jul 2, 2025
Our lovely ladies got creative this afternoon, turning their walkers into fabulous displays of patriotic pride! Now they’re strolling in style and showing their red white and blue spirit everywhere they go!
Jacqueline Davidson
Jun 15, 2025
Come out and join us in celebrating our staff for CNA week 6/16-6/20 and show them how much we appreciate them. They show up every day to care for your loved one, giving all, despite what personal struggles they may have each day. Join in the fun activities! #BickfordofRockford#
Jacqueline Davidson
Jun 15, 2025
Thought you might be interested in reading: "How to Protect Your Elderly Parents’ Assets: 5 Key Steps" How to Protect Your Elderly Parents’ Assets: 5 Key Steps https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/protecting-financial-assets Jacqueline Davidson
Dawn Withers
Jun 11, 2025
Jacqueline Davidson
Jun 8, 2025
WHEN I GET DEMENTIA When I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things PLEASE READ ALL 21 1a. EVERY TIME you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.” NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety. 1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. 2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it. 3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you. 4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me. 5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself. 6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded. 7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am. 8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends. 9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past. 10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me. 11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated. 12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need. 13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room. 14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live. 15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often. 16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault. 17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot. 18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place. 19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings. 20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes. 21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.” In Honor of all those I know and love and lost who are fighting Dementia/Alzheimer’s.