Memory loss isn’t a natural part of aging. When a person experiences this loss, it is challenging for them. They become frustrated, and their safety may be at risk. What can family members do to support a senior loved one with memory loss?
Forget Logic
When a person has dementia, their thought processes are impaired. What seems logical to them will often not be reasonable to others. Individuals who run memory support programs advise that the best approach when someone says something illogical is to avoid an argument and go along with what they are saying. Doing so will reduce their frustration. Continue with what is being done, and allow them to believe that it will be handled their way. Within a few minutes, they will likely forget what they said. For example, they may insist that vegetables be cut with a butter knife. Begin cutting vegetables with that knife. After a few minutes, switch to a normal knife. They likely won’t notice, and an argument has been avoided.
Therapeutic Fibbing
When older adults have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, avoid correcting them. If they have short-term memory loss, like people of all ages do, correct them when they make a mistake. Therapeutic fibbing is effective for those with dementia. When they make a mistake, redirect them by suggesting that another party made the mistake when presenting the correct information. For example, if they say they have a hair appointment at noon on Friday, act like that is a surprise because someone else said it was at three on Thursday. Review the information together to determine who is correct.
Maintain a Schedule
Individuals with memory loss need a schedule they can follow, preferably one that is already familiar to them. Doing so can be challenging if they have a designated place to go to at a particular time each day. For example, if they would go to the park for lunch each day and there is now no park nearby, families need to find a way to help them maintain the familiar schedule. The family could set it up so that the TV in the family room shows bird videos. The senior could then visit that room to view the birds, just as they had visited the park to view the birds before they developed dementia. This technique works because it replaces what is known with something similar, allowing them to maintain their schedule.
Reminder Notes
Individuals in the early stages of memory loss benefit greatly from reminder notes around the house. These notes may remind them to lock the doors, close the windows, or turn off kitchen appliances. However, the notes become less effective as the disease progresses because they often retain the ability to read, but their comprehension skills are diminished. They may also read the note and promptly forget what it says as the cognitive decline progresses.
Smart Home Devices
Another option is to utilize smart home devices, such as Alexa or Google Home, to provide seniors with verbal reminders. These devices can be scheduled to give a reminder at the same time each day or used to alert the seniors to changes in their routine, such as when they have a medical appointment.
Tips and tricks such as these can be used to help support a senior struggling with memory loss. They may allow this individual to stay in their home for a longer period. However, as the condition progresses, additional care may be needed. Families may implement these tips and give themselves more time to research other care options so they will be ready when this individual can no longer live alone.
