The ABC's of Alzheimer's

Have you ever wanted to help a person who has Alzheimer's disease but didn't know what to do? The next time you are faced with this dilemma, let the following suggestions come to your rescue. Some of these acts can be performed by individuals, whereas other recommendations are undertaken appropriately as projects by Sunday School classes, youth groups or mission organizations.

ADVOCATE by contacting local, state and national lawmakers to request increased funding for Alzheimer's research and to enact legislation that will improve quality of life.

BE a friend—no matter what.

CONTACT those affected by Alzheimer's frequently to see if there are practical needs you can meet.

DONATE a book about Alzheimer's to a church or public library.

ENROLL a patient in the Safe Return program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and pay the annual fee (if applicable).

FAMILARIZE yourself with non-verbal techniques to facilitate communication with patients.

GIVE a Gideon Bible in honor of a patient.

HIRE a home health aide to stay with a patient for a few hours each week to enable the family to have a time of respite.

INVITE patients and families to attend church socials and make them feel welcome.

JOKE sensitively to relieve tension.

KEEP abreast of services, programs and other resources that are available for patients and families.

LEARN as much as possible about the nature of Alzheimer's disease and how it affects patients.

MAKE a Scripture box of God's promises to give patients and families as a source of encouragement.

NEVER argue with patients as this leads to agitation and makes matters worse.

OFFER transportation to a patient and spouse when attending worship services.

PRAY for specific needs of patients and families, as well as a cure for the disease.

QUELL patients' fears by listening to their concerns and offering reassurance.

RELY on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

SEND cards on special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays and holidays.

TAKE a home-cooked meal to a patient and family at least once a month.

UNITE with members of other congregations to provide support groups for families and specialized worship opportunities for patients.

VISIT periodically as an expression of your love and a tangible reminder of God's love.

WATCH out for patients' safety.

Xcuse irrational and eccentric behaviors. 

YIELD momentarily to patients' needs instead of your own.

ZERO in on what the experience must be like for a patient who has Alzheimer's and minister as you would want others to minister to you if you had the disease.

 By Pat Otwell
Author of Guide to minstering to Alz's Patients and there Families
 
I got a flier in the mail on the ABC's of Salvation. So I looked online to see if there were an ABC's of Alzheimer's and this artical is what I found. With out the lord to pray to everyday I would be a mess.
Admit to God that you are a sinner.
Believe in Jesus Christ as God's Son and receive Jesus' gift of forgiveness from sin.
Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to others.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt beleive in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9