I have seen my mom talk on the phone with long distance family and speak to them like before she was diagnosed. The minute she gets off the phone she is back to asking me the same questions over and over. Why is this?
Who knows what triggers this? Don't think she is manipulating you, please, as that is not the case. If you have a cell phone, you might want to tape when she talks, and that way, if she asks a question and you answer it, you can play back the question and answer over and over again. Thank God for this new technology, right?
I think that they don't try to 'showtime' the caregivers. I try to think of it as a compliment that my mom's relaxed around me. She does great on phone calls, but when family comes to visit then she can't maintain it.
The conversation on the phone is constantly evolving.
When you are with her, the conversation is not constant. In lulls mom naturally will be thinking. She is likely getting stuck in a loop so will ask the same question. This is what redirecting is all about, trying to stop whatever cycle they are in.
There is much to learn about dementia: how to better engage with those who have it, understand what changes in them, and what that looks like as their abilities to think and communicate decline. Teepa Snow has some very good videos on YouTube which I recommend to anyone going through this journey. You are not alone!
I need to watch it because my Mom’s undiagnosed dementia as I tend to address it is bad enough. Early stages and at least she remembers names and the date sometimes. It seems like it fluctuates and it’s off and on. It’s apparent and my Mom has 40% hearing loss. I know the symptoms or traits of Caregiving for her. It’s pretty much my choice not to have her in a Nursing home because I love her a lot. I admit to getting mad and shouting at her but it’s because I am dealing with the ramifications. She’s has United Healthcare Medicare because she’s got at least $2000 a month in Social Security Income. Money is not an issue and I’ve been rewarded last year by her. She doesn’t know how much longer she will live. I’m as tolerant as I can be but I’m not a real tough man. Single and no girlfriend. No help whatsoever except a NPC from Prospero Health that comes a whopping once a month. Incredible.
When you are with her, the conversation is not constant. In lulls mom naturally will be thinking. She is likely getting stuck in a loop so will ask the same question. This is what redirecting is all about, trying to stop whatever cycle they are in.