La Jolla Senior Care News

What Not to Say to Your Senior With Alzheimer’s

Talking to a loved one with Alzheimer's might be tiring at times. Having the same talk over and over again might wear thin on your patience.
elderly woman
Alzheimer's Care in San Diego CA: Alzheimer's

Talking to a loved one with Alzheimer’s might be tiring at times. Having the same talk over and over again might wear thin on your patience. Whether you’re frustrated, tired, or simply wishing they could still talk to you the way they used to, you could say the incorrect thing to that person. We all make errors and become angry from time to time. All caregivers experience this and this happens a ton to older children who are trying to help their parents.

When your parent has these conditions it is best to seek extra help like Alzheimer’s care. These professionals may even help guide you on what to say. Alzheimer’s care can be crucial during any phase of this disease but there are also things you can do to be supportive and still have a bond with your elderly loved one.

If you or a senior loved one are losing their patience with one other, it may be time to consider in-home companion care. When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you may need a break. An Alzheimer’s care at home provider may help. Don’t injure your elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s by saying things that aren’t helpful or may hurt them.

 

“Don’t You Remember?”

Asking a senior loved one whether or not they recall a certain location or person might easily fall out of your lips. This is fine if you’ve ever asked your elderly family member whether they recalled anything and then regretted it. They won’t remember, and being asked to recall something they can’t recall might make them angry and unhappy. Stop asking whether they recall and instead tell them about a period in the past that brought up memories of that event.

 

“They’re Gone” “They’ve Passed Away”

You don’t have to inform your elderly loved one that their spouse has died if they question why a family member no longer visits. Grief and shock may be particularly strong in the loss of a partner or spouse. As if they had just discovered that their lover had died for the first time, it will seem like they’ve just learned the news. Instead, say something non-committal like “they went to the shop” or “they’re gone on a vacation” and steer the conversation away from your elderly loved one’s worries.

 

“She/He Was Just Here”

For example, if your elderly relative tells you that they haven’t seen your brother in years and that person just visited, don’t tell them that they just saw them. Hearing that someone came to visit and that they don’t recall it will be frightening and confusing for them. It is better to say how they are doing or when they will come in again. Telling them something to focus on rather than telling them they were just here will be a better approach.

 

“I Just Said That”

“I just told you!” or, “I told you that previously!” are common angry responses to frustration. Your elderly parent may be particularly distressed by the situation, which is reasonable. When you’re about to lose your cool, stop, take a deep breath, and consider before you speak. If you’re furious or disappointed, your senior loved one who wants to please you and do what you want them to might be quite wounded.

 

For more information about hiring Alzheimer’s Care in San Diego, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.

Brittnei Salerno

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