3 Ways to Stop Dementia Patients from Repeating Themselves

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1- Activities Ideas
2- What to say/do for specific Challenging Behaviors

Thanks for watching! In this video I'll share 3 of my go to methods to nipping this so you can keep your sanity.

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#1: Replacing the question/phrase with a familiar song
In dementia, repeating a phrase or a question can be your loved one or clients attempt to find something familiar they recognize in your answer . t can feel like being stuck on a broken record. One way to stop it is to meet the need of familiarity by replacing it. My go to way is replacing it with a familiar song

An example one of my dementia caregiver clients gave me is her loved one would say the same phrase over and over on their walks. I suggested she start playing/singing a familiar song on their walks. After she tried it, she told me that replacing the phrase with a song worked like a charm and even made him walk a little faster during their walk as a bonus.

When you try this, play something that comes from their teen years or their early adult years. Which has the best chance of being something they will respond to. It works especially well if the song is a sentimental one for them


#2: Look for the Unmet Need
In our folks with dementia and for people in general. We tend to repeat ourselves when we feel like we have not been heard. Often times we will write off what our folks with dementia are saying. As challenging behavior when they are desperately trying to get something across.

An example of this was a lady I was caregiving for that kept repeating keys keys I need my keys. Initially I chalked it up to her being confused. However, after hearing "keys" for another 30 minutes. I asked why do you need your keys? She replied she needed to get to her car to go home. I then asked her, what was at home that she wanted. She then said her medicine was at home and her arm was hurting her.

This poor lady had been trying to tell me her arm hurt for over an hour and it took me this long to finally understand her. Sometimes this need can be an emotional one as well. There your folks simply need you to reassure them that you are with them and that they are safe. The takeaway is dig a little deeper to the repeated question for an unmet need.

#3 Look for Triggers in the Environment
Our folks with dementia have a tendency to hyper focus on a sound or object in their environment. Which can often lead to them repeating a phrase or a question over and over again. When you notice them repeating, see if a specific object or sound is present when it happens and try taking it away or replacing it with something else. If it is a sound like an alarm that trigger them to ask for dinner over and over replace the sound of the alarm with something more pleasant.

If the trigger is them seeing some books out and asking over and over when is bed. Take away the books. All of this is trial and error but making these simple changes can help you and your loved one feel more at ease and less on edge with repeated questions.