Fink, who was caregiving for her mom withearly-onset Alzheimers, instinctively responded, “Yes, Mom.
Dad knows where we’re going.”
But her mom wasnt satisfied.
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
She put her mom back in the car and walked around.
This time, when her mom asked the same thing again, Fink tried something new.
“Oh yeah,” she said.
“I saw him at the Rotary meeting and told him what we would be doing today.”
Her mom didn’t bring up the question again.
For peopleliving with Alzheimers, how caregivers respond in everyday moments can mean the difference between chaos and comfort.
Jason Krellman, associate professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Here are six key things to avoid whencaring for someone with Alzheimers.
So, avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences.
Instead, speak slowly using simple words.
And give them the time and space to respond in their own way, Mintz suggests.
Repeat information calmly when necessary to help them feel less overwhelmed.
This means no loud music, crowded spaces, scattered stuff, or too many simultaneous conversations.
Its also important to keep a consistent schedule as much as possible.
“Dismissing their feelings or neglecting to provide comfort can lead tolonelinessand distress,” says Mintz.
So, always acknowledge their emotions, even if their words dont make sense.
Reassure them with phrases like “Im here to help” to build trust, suggests Mintz.
Also, attempt to engage them in conversations and activities that bring them joy.
Similarly, if they get some details wrong, arguing or contradicting them can be counterproductive.
Focus on the present moment instead and meet them where they are.
Gently remind them only what’s helpful for them to know rather than every detail.
To help de-escalate the situation, avoid arguing and try not to show frustration.
Mintz suggests gently redirecting their attention elsewhere by bringing up a story or an activity they find comforting.
Its crucial to remember that these behaviors are symptoms of the disease, not intentional actions against you.
Its best to save sensitive conversations about their care or condition for another time and place, she suggests.
What works today might not tomorrow, says Treaster.
Additional Resources
Bottom Line
Caregiving is tough, sometimes even overwhelming.
2022;17(11):e0266552.
Clinical Interventions in Aging.
2015;10:1401. doi:10.2147/CIA.S89714
Alzheimers caregiving: managing personality and behavior changes.
National Institute on Aging.
