Page 34 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit
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Caregiver Tip Sheets
Repeating
People with Alzheimer’s or dementia often ask questions or tell
stories over and over. While frustrating, it is not harmful. They are
not doing this on purpose. This behavior is caused by changes in
the brain.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
THINK ABOUT WHY
• new place? new people? somewhere they find scary?
• they forget that the question was asked and/or answered
WHY DOES
• they want your attention… to feel a connection with you
THIS HAPPEN? • maybe they are trying to tell you about a need… hunger, concern
about someone or something, urge to go to the bathroom
People with Alzheimer’s or
dementia might be:
ACCEPT THE BEHAVIOR
• having problems • stay calm and be patient, they can’t change so you will need to
remembering what they • don’t argue or try to correct them
just said or what just • breathe… and remember the disease is the reason
happened
• calmly answer the question every time it’s asked
• repeating questions • smile at the story every time it’s told
or stories because they
feel nervous or afraid TRY REMINDERS
• use clocks or photos of items or objects to help with questions
• having trouble saying that are repeated
what they need or want
• post notes or a daily schedule in a place they often look
• get a big “white board” so you can write and erase information
WAYS TO HELP
• listen to music, watch TV, take a walk, or find something they
844.HELP. ALZ
AlzheimersLA.org like to do to get their mind on something else
© 2018 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles • think first about how they are feeling and remind yourself it’s
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90AL0002-01-00)
not their fault
• wait until just beforehand to tell them about things that make
them nervous like doctor’s visits, bathing, or going out
• if you are tired and might react, and they are safe, go to
another room for a bit to breathe
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