Whether you are a new care partner or a long-time care partner, you will need a toolbox to store ideas, tips, articles, opinions, facts, notes, data, hints, plans, goals, guidelines, advice, books to read, websites, warnings, suggestions, statistics, details, essentials, events, what to do, and what not to do.

According to Wikipedia, “A toolbox (also called tool chest or workbox) varies with the craft of the owner. The purpose of the toolbox is to organize, carry, and protect the owner’s tools used for trade, hobby or DIY.” While dementia care as a care partner may not be your trade or hobby, it does seem to become a DIY “do-it-yourself” experience.

Becoming the “dementia care partner” is usually a “learn-as-you-go” position that sneaks up on you as slowly as the dementia changes reveal themselves. The tools you collect during your time as a dementia partner will serve you well; but you must first find them, then collect them, and finally use them. Where do you begin? How do you know what you need when you don’t even know what you need?

Start with some basic information from good reliable sources. This hands-on presentation will help you with some suggestions on where to start to gather information that will help further educate you about Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Featured are a few helpful products or “tools” you might want to add to your Care Toolbox.