This Leaflet will tell you all about who I am, to help you support me.

Keep this in a suitable and safe place where anyone caring for you, at home or elsewhere, can refer to it easily. You can also take it with you if you need to go into hospital.

If you, or a person you care for, has dementia, delirium or other communication difficulties, moving to an unfamiliar place or meeting new people can be unsettling or distressing. This is me can help to reduce this distress. It helps health and social care professionals build a better understanding of you, or the person you care for, to be able to deliver the best care possible.

This is me can be completed and updated anytime by either yourself or the people who are supporting you. Many people like to complete the tool as an activity with their carers or family members, as it can bring up enjoyable memories and conversations.

This is me can be used alongside care plans and taken to unfamiliar or new places, such as hospitals and care homes. It is not a Medical document.

Please do not provide information you are not comfortable with others knowing. Professionals should tell you how they will use the information you provide. If they don’t, ask them – it’s your right to know.

 

My full name

Where I live The area (not the full address) where you live and how long you have lived there.

The people who know me best This may include a partner, carer, relatives or friends.

I would like you to know Include anything you feel will help staff to get to know and care for you. For example, ‘I prefer female carers’.

My personal history, family and friends Include your place of birth, places you’ve lived or travelled to, marital status, children, grandchildren, friends and Pets 

My important items List any objects or items you like to have near you, such as photographs, jewellery or other treasured possessions.

 

My culture, faith and religious beliefs Do you like to attend religious services? Do you celebrate certain festivals or events? Do you observe certain practices around prayer, food or clothing?

My hobbies and interests List any hobbies you enjoy, such as clubs or crafts, and any favourite music, sport or TV/films that appeal to you.

My jobs and achievements List any accomplishments that you are proud of, and any jobs or volunteering that are important to you.

Favourite places I have lived and visited Include any former or childhood homes that you were fond of, and also any favourite or significant places that you have visited

The following routines are important to me What is your morning/evening routine? When do you prefer to have your meals?
Do you enjoy a snack, walk or nap at a particular time of day? Do you carry out personal care activities in a particular order?


Things I like to do for myself Include ways in which you like to be independent, such as dressing, eating, personal hygiene.


Things I might want help with Describe ways people can help with activities such as dressing, getting up, eating.


Things that may worry or upset me Include anything you may find troubling, such as being alone or feeling disorientated;
or physical needs such as being constipated, thirsty or hungry. List environmental factors that may make you feel anxious, like open doors, loud voices or the dark.


What makes me feel better if I am anxious or upset Include things that may help if you become unhappy or distressed, such as comforting words, music or TV. Does it help to have company, or do you prefer quiet time alone?

My hearing and eyesight Do you need a hearing aid? Do you wear glasses or need any other vision aids?


How we can communicate How do you like to communicate? Do you read and write? How is it best to approach you? Include anything that may help others know what you need.


My mobility Do you need help or an aid to get around? Can you use stairs? Can you stand unaided? what helps you to be comfortable?

Things that help me sleep Do you like a light to be left on or a warm drink before bed? Do you find it difficult
to find the toilet at night? Do you have a favoured position in bed, special mattress
or pillow?


My personal care List your usual practices and preferences. Do you like to use certain cosmetics and toiletries? Do you need continence aids or help with brushing your teeth/dentures? What about caring for your hair?

How I take my medication Do you need help to take medication? Do you prefer to take liquid medication?


Eating and drinking What do you like/dislike to eat and drink? Do you have any dietary requirements
or preferences including being vegan/vegetarian or any religious or cultural needs?
Do you need help or adapted aids? Does your food need to be soft, liquidised
or cut into pieces? Include information about your appetite, dentures and any swallowing difficulties.

Other notes about me. Include any details you’ve not already listed that you would like people to know,
such as important events from your past. You can include any advance plans
you have made, such as anyone you have appointed as your attorney.

At Alzheimer’s Society we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. We do this by giving help to everyone who needs it today, and hope for everyone
in the future.
For advice and support on this, or any other
aspect of dementia, call us on 0333 150 3456
or visit alzheimers.org.uk
This is me® has been reviewed by people
living with dementia. To give feedback,
please email publications@alzheimers.org.uk
Download this leaflet or order copies
online at alzheimers.org.uk/thisisme or call 0300 303 5993.

Alzheimer’s Society
43–44 Crutched Friars
London EC3N 2AE
0330 333 0804
enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk  alzhelmers.org.uk