The Alzheimer's Digest: Repetitive Behaviors

Showing posts with label Repetitive Behaviors. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Alzheimer Reps

One of the most frustrating aspects of Alzheimer's can be dealing with repetitive behaviors like asking the same question over and over again. Here are a few suggestions:

Try to look for a reason behind the repetition. For example, does the repetition occur around certain people or surroundings, or at a certain time of day? Is your loved one trying to communicate something?
Try to focus on the emotion, not the behavior. Rather than reacting to what your loved one is doing, think about how he or she is feeling.
Try to turn the action or behavior into an activity. For example, if your loved one is rubbing his or her hand across the table, try giving him or her a cloth and asking them to help you dust.
Try to reassure your loved one by using a calm voice and gentle touch. Don't argue or try to use logic; Alzheimer's affects memory, and your loved one may not remember he or she asked the question already.
Try to give your loved one the answer that he or she is looking for, even if you have to repeat it several times. If your loved one is still able to read and comprehend, it may help to write it down and post it in a prominent location. Try using a dry erase board.
Your loved one may simply be bored and need something to do. Try to give him or her structure and engage him or her in a pleasant activity.
Use memory aids. If your loved one asks the same questions over and over again, offer reminders by using reminder notes, clocks, calendars or photographs, if these items are still meaningful tohim or her.
Try to accept the behavior, and work with it. If the behavior isn't harmful, don't worry about it. Just try to find ways to work with it.
Try sharing your experience with others. Join a local caregiver support group or one online, and share what response strategies have worked for you and get more ideas from other caregivers.

_____________________________

10% Off Your Entire Order! Use Code: SAVEINSPRING Ends Friday

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Repeated Questions

Asking the same question again and again can be due to memory loss or it can be due to a loved one's feelings of insecurity or anxiety about their ability to cope.

Here are a few suggestions:

Try to be tactful and patient, and encourage your loved one to find the answer for themselves. For example, if your loved one keeps asking the time, and you know they are able to understand the clock, suggest that they look at the clock themselves.

Try moving the clock to a position that is more visible.

People with dementia may become anxious about future events such as a visitor arriving, which can lead to repeated questioning.

Try not mentioning the event until just before it takes place.
Try giving your loved one a Visitor Reminder Note so he or she can have the arrival on paper and keep it with them.

Does your Mom keep taking everything out of her purse and putting it back in?

Or perhaps your Dad constantly checks to see if the door is locked, empty or rearrange his wallet, pack and repack clothing, etc.

These odd behaviors are all anxiety-related. Your loved one knows he or she has something important to remember but has forgotten what it was ... and this causes his or her repetitive behaviors.

Here are some suggestions for dealing with these odd repetitive behaviors:

Try ignoring the behavior if it's pretty harmless to your loved one or others.
Try to avoid telling your loved one to stop doing the behavior. This may make him or her more anxious or stressed. The behavior may stop after a while if it's not encouraged in some way.
Try to help your loved one cope with his or her anxiety in positive ways. You might try engaging them in a game of cards or a walk in the park. Try to use a calm and gentle tone of voice to ease your loved one's anxiousness.
Give your loved one reminder notes or write them on a marker board where he or she will see it throughout the day. You may also want to post room signs to ease his or her confusion about where he or she is. Labeling frequently used items may also help lessen confusion and disorientation.