By Penned by Me · Published October 30, 2026 · Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · Editorial policy
An All About Me page is a short, personal summary of who someone is and what makes them feel at home: the name they like to be called, the people who matter, daily routines, favorite foods and music, and what helps on a hard day. It is written for the people who help them, so anyone new can greet and support them in a way that feels familiar.
Why it helps
When someone living with dementia meets a new in-home care worker, moves into assisted living or memory care, or stays in a hospital unit, personal preferences may not yet be known. An All About Me page puts small, important details on one sheet: how they like their tea, work they are proud of or when they prefer to shower. These details can help a new helper start respectfully.
What to put on it
- Name: their full name and the name they like to be called.
- People: partner, children, close friends and pets, with names.
- Life and work: where they grew up, what they did for a living, what they are proud of.
- Daily routines: when they like to get up and go to bed, how they like to wash and dress, a nap or not.
- Food and drink: favorites, dislikes, how they take their coffee or tea.
- Comforts: music, a radio station, a blanket, a photo, a short walk.
- Greeting and talking: how they like to be greeted, which topics they enjoy, anything that makes conversation easier.
- On a hard day: what tends to unsettle them and what tends to help.
Write it in their own words
The best All About Me pages are written with the person, not about them. If your parent can write, let them fill it in. If not, ask the questions and write down their answers as they say them. "I like my coffee strong and black, and I don't want to be rushed in the morning" tells a helper far more than "Coffee: black."
The What Matters to Me in Care section in large print life story journal is built on this idea: the person records their days, comforts and preferred greeting in their own words, with help if they choose.
How families and helpers use it
- Keep one copy at home where visitors and home care staff can see it, for example on the fridge or inside a cupboard door.
- Bring a copy to the hospital, to day care or to a respite stay, and ask staff to read it.
- Give a copy to a care home on the first day, and ask where they will keep it.
- Read it again every few months and update what has changed.
What it is not
An All About Me page is about everyday preferences. It is not a medical record and not a legal document. It does not replace an advance directive, a living will, a power of attorney or a care plan made with professionals. For those, please talk to a doctor, the care team or an attorney.
Questions families ask
What should be on an All About Me page for dementia?
The name they like to be called, the people who matter to them, a few lines about their life and work, daily routines, favorite food and drink, music and other comforts, how they like to be greeted, and what helps on a hard day. Keep it to one or two pages so a busy helper reads it.
Who should fill in the All About Me page?
The person themselves, as much as they can. Their own words carry their personality and show helpers how they speak. If writing is hard, a family member can ask the questions and write down the answers exactly as they are said, then read them back to check they are right.
Is an All About Me page the same as an advance directive?
No. An All About Me page describes everyday preferences such as routines, food, music and how someone likes to be greeted. An advance directive is a legal document about medical treatment. They serve different purposes, and the second should be made with a doctor or an attorney.
Sources and further reading
General information only; not medical or legal advice.