My father had dementia and I was his caregiver. Here’s what I wish I had known | Cynthia Dearborn

When Cynthia Dearborn became her 75-year-old father's caregiver, she knew little about what lay ahead. Two decades on, she shares the insights that helped her help him

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In 2007, I was suddenly plunged into the role of caregiver for my then 75-year-old father, who had vascular dementia. His short-term memory was severely impaired, as were his judgment and reasoning skills. At the outset, I knew very little about dementia and next to nothing about caregiving, and fumbled my way through one challenge after another. With experience, I grew more competent and confident.

While everyone's situation is different, and every individual unique, here are six insights that helped me help my father.