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.

Read more in The Guardian.