How do I gently communicate to a loved one that she has memory trouble?

Question

How do I gently communicate to a loved one that she has memory trouble?

Follow

Share

Hi everyone.

I am a caretaker for my grandparents in their late 80s.

My grandmother has dementia. She is constantly asking why she no longer has a computer, or why her cell phone changed to a simplified version.

She was neglecting to pay bills, falling prey to scams such as "proprietary" health news subscriptions, "miracle cures" etc.

It breaks my heart because the computer was a link to the outside world for her and I don't know what to tell her on days when her dementia is good and she is self-aware and truly mystified as to why her world has changed. Though other days she is not aware that any such changes have been implemented.

Does anyone have any insight on how to communicate to her gently that she has been having some slight changes in memory so that I can diffuse some of the understandable anger and resentment that her belongings were taken, and her responsibilities transitioned?

I ask because on days that she's sharp and self-aware, she feels like there's a maligned collusion toward her to push her into isolation which is not the case, I assure you, and I'm the only one in the family who cares to try and make an effort to soften the blow of that realization.

Anything helps! Thank you!

Alzheimer's & Dementia Anosognosia Signs of Dementia

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

21 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First

Redirect, change the subject.
Don't try to tell her. Either she won't remember or she'll be angry you suggested it.
For example, "where's my computer" ---"Grandma did you get enough to eat for lunch? "
"Why does my cellphone look like this?" ---"Grandma is trashday on monday?"

Sometimes a white lie can get you there faster but it depends what you're comfortable with. "Where's my computer?" ----"It broke, so I took it to be fixed"
"why's my cellphone look like this?"----"The plan was cheaper"

Helpful Answer (8)

Report

I’ve been redirecting and changing the subject. Now I’m getting accused of that-which is true but how come she can remember the redirections and not the actual answers/reasons!

(2)

Report

I've tried to explain to my mom that her brain just doesn't work the way it used to, that it is different and it isn't her fault. She knows she has dementia, but doesn't seem to understand quite what that entails. She used to be under the impression that it would get better with time but must have come to some realization that it won't because she has stopped asking when she can come home. She will not accept that she has misplaced something - it has always been "stolen." She will not admit to making up stories of things that never really happened - "she is NOT a liar- everyone else is lying." At first I would try to reason with her but it only frustrated both of us, so now I just nod and smile or if on the phone say "oh, yes, I know."

I've seen a lot of ads for the Grandpad. Is that something you think she could use rather than a computer?

Helpful Answer (7)

Report

Thank you for summarizing. After being accused (falsely) of stealing and lying by my mother, it helps to read that it's "normal". If only she would not have said it to so many people that don't know her. I'm afraid they believe it.

(5)

Report

See 1 more reply

When my dad was still living and his Alzheimer’s was getting worse he said to me one day “ sometimes I think I’m going crazy.” I just told him that he wasn’t crazy, his brain had a disease, that was why he would feel that way. He actually was very relieved to hear that and was happier the rest of the day. Your grandmother on her better days is voicing that same concern in her way. You can tell her the same thing. I think using the word disease is much more acceptable to a person with dementia. I can tell you
that I fear getting Alzheimer’s and I’m sure dad did also, so I just gave it a different name for him.

Helpful Answer (7)

Report

Give her back her computer. Put a "child guard" on it if you're worried about scams and make sure she has no credit cards on it. But give her back her computer.

Helpful Answer (7)

Report

Willpower, I think that it is a losing battle and a potential war to tell someone that doesn't know that they are slipping mentally.

My dad refuses to believe it and when family has said that I told them that he has some dementia I was called a fning liar. I just let it go.

When I get questions from the dementia I just say I don't know, I can check into it or I make noises of acknowledgement and promptly forget the grumping.

Learning to not answer a question is challenging, learning to tell lies is challenging and seeing an elder deteriorate right before our eyes is challenging. It is a brutal disease for everyone involved.

Can I recommend that you start getting resources together for the time that you can no longer care for her in home. It will help you feel less overwhelmed, this is one situation where knowledge is power.

Edit: there are different kinds of dementia and different stages to each and they are not mutually exclusive, she could have more than one kind. The only thing anyone really knows is that it will get worse and just when you think that you have something figured out, the disease progresses and you are at ground zero again. Tons of helpful information here but I think that we would mostly all agree that it is an individual journey and you just have to try until you find what works best today, because tomorrow could be different. It is really hard in the beginning because they are themselves so often that you wonder if you are the one losing your mind.

Helpful Answer (6)

Report

I feel I have experienced what all the previous people have said. Having an expert tell them their short-comings when you can is best, because you are going to have enough battles down the road. A doctor did tell mom she had probable Alzheimer, she turned to me and said "You brought me here, just, to tell me that." I told her I took her, because there are a number of possible reasons for the cognitive decline, I was seeing. I happened to answer the phone when the doctor's office called saying she failed her driving test. I should have told them to schedule an appoint to tell her directly. She has never forgiven me for losing her license. So, even though she knew, she avoided it. I was not to use the word Alzheimer in her presence. Go to the bank and have them tell her, they have concerns about her finances, if they are willing to do that. I am now dealing with my MIL, who is denying any cognitive issues. She fabricates frequently.
As someone mentioned, it is incomprehensible how they can't think clearly at one moment and can make a rational excuse for their actions at another moment.
Experiences that have intrigued me: 1) Mom was unable to do ADLs by herself, and was incontinent. I wanted to lay flat on her back because she had abdominal pain. She could not do it. Finally, I said, "We don't need to do this!" She replied, "You are angry with me" (They are very good at picking up emotional cues). Me: "No, I just wish you could do what I ask." Her: "You know I would if I could"
2) Several years later and declined significantly, She asked my father if he was her father. Being HOH, he asked "What?" I quickly interjected that it was time to go to her Memory care facility. As we walked to the car she said "You know, I miss my Dad. I miss everything. Everything is such a mess!"
3) Mom is now mostly nonverbal, and sleeps most of the time. My Dad said in front of her "Too bad she has no idea what is going on." I told him that I do not agree with that. I believe there are times she is aware, and a good chance it is more often than I realize. I looked at her and tears had weld up in her eyes. When Dad took her hand she squeezed his hand as hard as she could and growled at him. I am sure she was trying to tell him she was angry for what he had said. When he kissed her good-bye, she giggled like a school girl. So do not write her off at any point.
I found the book 'Still Alice' very true to what I was experiencing at the time. It left me in a funk for several weeks, but I am glad I read it.
Look for the blessings in this long difficult journey.

Helpful Answer (6)

Report

I'm not clear with her living situation, is she living with you? Why can't you let her use the computer on her better days, with supervision?

As for her questions, this is where the therapeutic fib comes in: gee grandma, we had to take the computer in to get fixed and it isn't ready yet. The phone came with the new phone plan, it is supposed to be easier to work and was a much better deal.... The idea is to give whatever answer sounds reasonable and will satisfy her for a while, but of course she will keep asking because she won't remember.

Helpful Answer (5)

Report

I let Moms doctor tell her. But, this doesn't mean she will remember. You may have to tell little white lies. But then u may have to answer the question every day every day.

Helpful Answer (4)

Report

Give her back her computer, but alter it with child failsafes.

Helpful Answer (4)

Report

I looked into information on the GRANPAD as mentioned by a previous poster, and found it to be a very good option for many seniors, as it has built in safety features that are controlled by the family administrator who would be YOU, and would protect her from spammers and RIP offs that might be taking advantage of her. Check it out, if the computer is very important to her, it might be just the ticket for her to continue using modem technology and keep her in the loop with SET family and friends. Google it, it's very Cool for just 200 plus 40/month, and No issues with her needing to remember log in codes and such. I had never heard of it before, but was super impressed! It has loads of great features to keep her entertained and allow your family to keep her feeling loved!

How do I gently communicate to a loved one that she has memory trouble?

21 Answers

Recent Questions

Popular Questions

Related Questions