I have just started taking greater care of an aging parent. It's not dementia but it's still a difficult journey ahead. The Caretaker project and some associated research have helped prepare my mind.

Most important thing I have learned: understanding. An aging person may lose some faculties but they still have plenty of pride. They do not want your help, but you must find a way to give it to them without taking their dignity.

I learned a similar lesson with a friend of the family who lost an arm in an accident. They would be in the kitchen doing various things, like having to open jars, cans, etc. It became really clear to me really quickly that I shouldn't offer help, because they could do it, wanted to it, and doing it was important to them. This help prepare me a bit for my aging parent. It really can be very undignified to get old. It's quite hard when the parent has an accident and you must go from caring for them, handling everything about their life, to dialing it back as they get better.