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How to handle it — caring for a parent with dementia

Moves for the carer moments that wear you down.

Your own parent's looked at you like a stranger and it's gutting.

— Right now

  • Let it land — it hurts, and grieving a parent who's still here is real.
  • Don't correct or quiz them. Meet them where they are; go with their reality.
  • The person's still in there. Connect through tone, touch, a song — not facts.

— Don't

  • Don't take it personally or argue them back to 'now'. It only distresses you both.

— Later

  • Dementia Australia 1800 100 500 (free) gets exactly this. Lean on them.

More on this → Caring for a parent with dementia

Caring: the short version

  1. 1.Meet them in their reality — don't correct or quiz.
  2. 2.You can't pour from empty — take the break.
  3. 3.Guilt means you care, not that you're failing.
  4. 4.Anticipatory grief is real and allowed.
  5. 5.Free help: Dementia Australia 1800 100 500.
Understand itRead the full when a parent fades guide →Work on itStart A way through →Talk to someoneFind help →
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