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What Are the Best Ways for You to Help a Loved One with Dementia Deal with Her Own Repetition?

Senior Care in Crestline OH

Your loved one’s tendency to repeat actions and questions as a result of her dementia can become quite difficult to manage when they happen every day. Try some of these suggestions for dealing with the repetition in most caring way possible.

Leave Notes for Your Loved One

Notes or signs can be one simple way to help your loved one to deal with questions she may have several times throughout the day. You might leave a note on the refrigerator, for example, that lists the day of the week, the date, and any important events happening that day. Then, when your loved one needs or wants to know some information over and over again, you can direct her to the note on the refrigerator.

Evaluate Basic Needs First

When your loved one starts engaging in repetitive behavior, start out by evaluating your loved one for basic needs and then you can move on to other issues. Check whether your loved one needs the restroom, for example, or something to drink or to eat. If your loved one has health conditions that can result in pain, check for pain. Once you resolve basic needs, it’s easier to move on to more complex needs.

Avoid Arguing or Telling Your Loved One She’s Already Asked That

If you get frustrated and try to explain to your loved one that she’s already asked a specific question or you try to argue with her, the situation may escalate much more quickly than you expect. It’s important that you remind yourself to be reassuring and calm, no matter how many times you’re answering the same question for your loved one. This can be difficult, but it’s worth it in the end.

Take a Deep Breath and Evaluate Your Own State of Mind Often

One of the best ways for you to manage your loved one’s repetitive behavior is to remind yourself often to take time for you. You may need to step out of the room and take a deep breath to deal with the next round of the same questions, for example. You also need to take stock of how you’re feeling quite often. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s time for you to take time away.

Your loved one’s senior care providers can help you to sort through the responses that work best for your elderly loved one, too.

If you are considering hiring senior care in Crestline, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.

 

Stephen Sternbach

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