The Alzheimer’s Whisperer has the unique ability to communicate with, care for, and comfort a person with Alzheimer’s while preserving their own well-being.

First it was The Horse Whisperer, then The Dog Whisperer and The Ghost Whisperer. I wonder when we’ll see The Cat Whisperer. While waiting, I met a unique individual in the world of dementia: the Alzheimer’s Whisperer. He provides quality care without guilt and without losing himself.

The Alzheimer’s Whisperer demonstrates five keys to care:

1. know how

Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s from organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Caring.com Steps & Stages, and the National Association of Family Caregivers. He draws the wisdom of others through support groups, educational offerings, and online chats. If you’re employed and don’t have time for the above, read books and informational materials to find out what to expect.

2. Compassion

With knowledge, you can better accept the reality of your loved one’s condition. Exhibits increased compassion by coping with disruptive behaviors and anticipating needs.

5 KEYS to becoming the Alzheimer’s whisperer

1. KNOW HOW

2. COMPASSION

3.COMMITTED

4. EMPATHY

5. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

The Alzheimer’s Whisperer recognizes that caregiving is a temporary but life-changing journey made by very special people.

3. Committed

She is committed to providing quality care, despite her intermittent tears and joy. She takes advantage of the continuum of care (adult day care, home care, respite care, assisted living, or skilled nursing care) and turns to others to help make her job easier. In the tradition of the great animal whisperers, she weighs the value of a pet in bringing joy to her loved one.

4. Empathy

Every day, and sometimes every hour, visualize how you would want to be cared for if the roles were reversed. This allows him to enter fully into the world of his loved one without losing himself.

5. Unconditional love

By developing the first four keys, you experience an open heart that elevates your own life’s purpose and meaning in ways you could never anticipate. Despite the challenges, he feels strength.

What better gift can a caregiver share with someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia than practicing the five keys from The Alzheimer’s Whisperer?