The physiological changes occurring in the brain as a senior ages are responsible for various symptoms of cognitive impairment, including personality changes and memory loss. The damage to neurons, connections between neurons, and vascular tissues commonly disrupts short-term memory, long-term memory, and the processes that connect the two types of memory together. This often manifests as repetitive speech. Here are a few things caregivers can do to address dementia-related repetition.
Remain Calm
Understand the cause of your loved one’s behavior and realize he or she is likely not aware of it. Be patient. If repeatedly asked a question, be compassionate and supply the answer. Try distraction, redirection, or validation to manage the symptom.
Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Fort Lauderdale families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Use Distraction
When your loved one repeats words, phrases, or statements, try changing the subject. Start a conversation about your loved one’s grandchildren, a friend, a neighbor, or a current event. You could also talk about a subject that interests your loved one, such as a favorite hobby or activity. Distraction may jolt your loved one’s thought processes so he or she can focus on another topic. If your loved one seems bored, encourage participation in an activity that might recapture his or her focus. Examples of simple distracting activities include taking a walk outdoors or putting a puzzle together.
Sometimes family caregivers find it challenging to address dementia symptoms in their loved ones, and professional caregivers can help. Families looking for top-rated home care service providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Redirect
Redirection is similar to distraction. When your loved one becomes repetitive, consider turning on his or her favorite music or watching DVDs of a favorite old TV show. The idea is to turn your loved one’s attention elsewhere. You could also take out a photo album and begin a conversation about past family activities or loved ones. Because dementia often takes longer to affect long-term memory, your loved one may enjoy the time spent reminiscing. If the repeated topic revolves around dates, times, and other related topics, placing calendars, clocks, and notes in clear view may help.
Validate the Repeated Statement
Depending on the topic that’s causing your loved one to obsess, validation may solve the issue. Simply agreeing to the statement your loved one is repeating may cause him or her to change the subject. However, if the chosen topic causes visible anger, anxiety, or fear, try reassuring your loved one and dissuading his or her train of thought. Otherwise, intervene with distraction or redirection.
Detect Possible Patterns
Determine if the behavior occurs at specific times during the day or under particular circumstances. If your loved one is tired, hungry, or uncomfortable, cognitive impairment may be interfering with his or her memory of how to correctly express a need.
Share Your Feelings with Others
Spending time with a loved one who has dementia and is repeating him or herself can be exhausting. Sharing your frustration with family members or friends can help you decompress. Consider finding a community or online support group of people in a similar situation as yours and share your experience. Support groups can provide much-needed understanding, and they’re also a great source of information.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Fort Lauderdale home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Assisting Hands Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at +1 754-900-5102.
