Love doesn’t end
Families are sometimes overlooked for the value and meaning they bring to the day-to-day experience of those living with dementia. Families are, in fact, the most critical part of learning who the person is: what they love, what they fear, what brings them joy. Answering these questions is the work of the family.
When those living with dementia see their loved ones, their face breaks out in an enormous smile and the joy is palpable. This is often followed by the statement, ‘I don’t remember who you are, but I know that I love you’. The feeling of love doesn’t end because you have dementia. In fact, dementia brings people’s most authentic feelings to the forefront, and they are not afraid to express them. This is a gift to the family.