My Story, My Preferences, My Care

A Personal Guide to Helping Others Understand and Support Me

When someone is living with dementia, knowing their story matters.

The My Story, My Preferences, My Care workbook from Minding Dementia was created to help individuals, families, and caregivers capture the details that make a person who they are, while also providing important information that can support more personalized and compassionate care.

This is more than a memory book.

It is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed to help caregivers better understand a person’s history, preferences, routines, communication style, comfort needs, and wishes for the future.

Inside the workbook, you’ll find space to record:

• Important people, relationships, and life experiences
• Childhood memories, work history, accomplishments, and meaningful places
• Favorite music, foods, activities, television, hobbies, and interests
• Daily routines and personal-care preferences
• Communication preferences and ways to provide reassurance
• Things that may cause stress, fear, confusion, or discomfort
• Signs that the person may be overwhelmed or trying to communicate a need
• Strategies that can help create calm and comfort
• Sensory and environmental preferences
• Wishes and preferences for future care
• Important contacts and document information

Why This Workbook Matters

Dementia can affect memory and communication, but a diagnosis does not erase a person’s identity, experiences, preferences, or need to feel understood.

Having this information in one place can help family members, professional caregivers, healthcare providers, respite workers, and others provide care that is more familiar, respectful, and person-centered.

It can also give caregivers helpful clues when a person is unable to clearly explain what they need or why they may be feeling distressed.

Use It Together

Whenever possible, complete this workbook with the person living with dementia.

There are no right or wrong answers, and you do not need to complete every page at once. Add information gradually, include photographs or keepsakes, and update the workbook as needs and preferences change.

The goal is simple:

Help the people providing care see the person, not just the dementia.

A Resource for Families and Caregivers

Whether you are caring for someone at home, preparing for additional support, working with professional caregivers, or helping a loved one transition into a new care environment, this workbook can become a valuable reference that travels with them throughout their care journey.

Created by Minding Dementia

Minding Dementia provides education, practical guidance, and resources designed to help families better understand dementia and navigate the challenges that can come with caregiving.

Download your copy of My Story, My Preferences, My Care today and begin creating a personal guide that helps others understand what matters most.

35 pages