My Loved One Repeats Herself!

Today’s insight discusses helpful tips on how to have a positive relationships with your loved one who has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Transcription of Video:

I’m Deb Nygaard with Arthur’s Residential Care with today’s Insights From Arthur’s.

I want to talk today about repeating. This is one of the most difficult things for family members to deal with ; hearing the same story over and over and over again. I am here to tell you, it’s not about you. It’s about your loved one with dementia and what they need.

When your loved one comes to you and says, “Did I ever tell you I grew up on a farm?” and it’s the 53rd time you’ve heard it that day, you are going to start looking annoyed. Your expression is going to communicate to your loved one that you don’t want to talk to them. You have to remember that they don’t remember that they have told you — they just want to be social. They just want to talk with you and have something to share. They don’t remember the most recent things — they remember the past.

When a loved one says to you one more time, “Did I ever tell you I grew up on a farm?” respond back by saying, “Tell me more about that.” Then you will be inviting them to tell the story one more time. You take a deep breath and say, “Tell me more about that.” Instead of saying, “Yes, you have told me 100 times.” or “No, you haven’t told me.” Which is a flat out lie.

“Tell me more about that.”

This is Deb Nygaard with Insights From Arthur’s.

Contact Deb Nygaard
Director of Development
Arthur’s Residential Care: 651-429-4798