Caregiver Training: Repetitive Questions | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program

The UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Video series provides viewers with practical tools you can use in a variety of settings to create a safe, comfortable environment both for the person with dementia and the caregiver.
To learn more about the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care, please visit www.uclahealth.org/dementia/c...

[@robthom09]

My wifes 87 yr old mom lives with us. We don't have dimentia issues, but old habit issues and some anxiety problems at times. She had hearing and vision problems and I am a big guy (and she is small), so I was constantly scaring her when she would suddenly see me. So, I tried these erase boards, and wrote the time, and where I was..even in the house, or if I left and when I was returning. She laughed at first, but then read the board each day and even told my wife that she like it. Haven't scared her for about 6 months now.

[@ILikeFireify]

Brilliant, thanks for sharing. There are so many other uses for that idea.

[@despicabled2128]

I admire people so much dealing with such a terrible disease. It’s so hard to get through as a family member

[@JayJay-lr5wm]

I experienced that when i took care of my late grandma in her 80's... i kept answering anyway, thnx for sharing. The old lady is very beautiful

[@Nonofmybiznez]

They only know what they know, not what they have forgotten. Combining the answer with an action (looking at the calendar) helps the answer stick longer.

[@StellaLunaStar94]

I saw this as a benefit because I could tell my gramma the same jokes over and over and she would laugh just as hard each time. I miss her

[@medronhos]

You are lucky. She didn't tell you the same story about the holocaust 10 times a day

[@womandela7225]

My dad asks repetitive questions all the time. I just keep answering him because I love him! My dad wouldn't remember to look at a whiteboard though. 😂

[@tonycarl]

Please contact Doctor Akhigbe for his herbal medication for your dad cure from dementia

[@tonycarl]

Message him on Whats App

[@tonycarl]

✝️ 2348140126449🇳🇬🇳🇬⏭️⏭️❤️❤️❤️

[@simplysarell1720]

This video has been my everyday life for a year and two months with my 80 yr old grandma. My sister and I are beyond burnt out. Thank God I found this video, I'll apply this first thing tomorrow.

[@Magnetar83]

How did it go?

[@nknighton70]

I know exactly what you mean. I'm so fucking sick of the repetitive questions.

[@YouKilledFritz]

You guys, group hug cuz fuck, I’m breaking down. It’s so unbelievably difficult.

[@hanniedevries3811]

Dankie,die witbord is 'n goeie idee.

[@Akva77]

The grandmother is so cute

[@cresbes56]

she really is 💖

[@HypatiaMuse]

I'm a Caregiver at an Assisted Living facility & this video & the other dementia guides are extremely helpful. We encounter these behaviors on a daily basis and sometimes I'm at a loss as to how best to deal with them. These videos & tips have been extremely valuable in helping me provide the best care.

[@crenshaw2.0]

I like how she reassured her with the schedule. And reduced her anxiety and curiosity by signing the birthday card together.

[@lillieanag6394]

That’s how, “I” was first introduced to Dementia. One time, when I was little. I went with my mom, to visit her friends mom in the nursing home. She also had Dementia, and she asked me 3 times what my dog’s name was. And the 3rd time she asked, I snapped, and yelled at her. But, I was a little kid. So, I didn’t know what it was back then.

[@Catmoore60]

My mom repeatedly asks where everyone is, so my sister notes household members’ schedules on the dry erase board too. It doesn’t keep her from asking, but it is a handy reference to point her to, and helps other care givers to know how to answer too.

[@kevinkenny9355]

Same with my grandma.

[@lisadeav73]

Thank you for this video it was very helpful as I am a caregiver for seniors and I'm working with one that has dementia

[@grannybooster9188]

This is a great help; I'm learning to be patient, and I'm take these tips to heart for the betterment of my loved ones wrestling with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

[@stannnleee3440]

The patient in the first video is so sweet and compliant, easily placated with the promise "let's look for the birthday card together!" I love that it worked for that sweet sweet grandmother. Thank goodness she is so non-combative and easily placated with birthday card hunting. It's different when the patient accuses you all of being sunsofbitches trying to kill him and refuses to comply lol.....

[@windsongshf]

Kudos to all the actors in this series. Very well done! 👏

[@BusinessMan1619]

The repeated questions are something I'm still trying to get used to. She's stopped believing the whiteboard and the clock are correct and asks me anyway.

[@renaanderson2372]

Grey Bar0n I’m sorry 😔 ask around for other tips! Is there anyone else that she trusts? Sometimes it helps for a home health nurse or someone to help them “believe”. But for some it may be that patience is the answer 🤦🏼‍♀️. Just know that God will reward you!!!!🤗♥️😇❣️

[@adamsosa]

Stay strong brother, I’m in the same boat 💪🏻

[@shorty808100]

It’s really hard to deal with a parent who has dementia/borderline Alzheimer’s especially when you have an Eidetic memory he tells me the same story’s everyday sometimes he’s tells the same story 100 times in a day and that’s no joke if it’s after about 2pm he’s lost in the past and won’t go to sleep when he’s tired he’s like a little kid thinks he’s gonna miss something, and the bad thing is I’m the one that gets treated like a child since I moved in with him I haven’t driven in 6 years if I get up to get dressed to go somewhere he has to go and drive me there which can be a scary experience he’s forgot the rules of the road makes illegal turns at stuff all the time can’t ever find a place even with the help of GPS he still gets lost and has to drive around to find places he had a windows 8.1 laptop he broke, I had a windows 8.1 laptop so I set it up exactly the same way his was everything was the same nothing different all icons same I mean everything was exactly the same it took me a year to re-teach him how to use it just cause it wasn’t an HP it was a Toshiba but they were both windows 8.1 and the desktops were identical all features identical, I get headaches from him telling me stories some I’ve heard probably 1/2 a million times maybe more I know them word by word and know the first time he told me even if it was when I was like 4 years old

[@Darwin_Richardson]

A good thing to keep is mind is that they're likely not trying to purposely irritate you, so they don't deserve anxiety over seeing that you're irritated

[@sassi7966]

That's what enabled me to have never ending patience in my new job. It's not their fault and they can't help it. 👍

[@debraseiling455]

I really like the dry erase board tip you shared. Thanks!

[@samcheng7542]

On Nov 3, 2016, I was told I will not be getting a kidney transplant because I have blood circulation problems. I live in the US.my wife have had Dementia and many miscarriages over 18 year's of marriage we have done everything possible in the medical field with no results. In my 20's , I developed venous statis in which the capillaries pop and my skin darkens on both my legs below my knees and above my ankles. I have a inherited kidney disease as FSGS and minimal change , two kidney disorders. At that time, there was no treatment for me because my blood was normal but I had proteinuria alot of it. My kidney disease didn't really getbad until 2006, then I was referred to a kidney doctor. He prescribed predisone. It didn't work on me. It was supposed to slow down the disease. But my problems befan to appear in 2012, when I started to gain weight, I thought at the time I was eating too much, but I later discovered it was excess water. Because later that year, my legs started to leak water. I actually had to squeeze the water out of my socks and trousers. Then I developed claudication which causes pain on my calf muscles in the back of my legs. I would walk a few steps and they would seize up. I would rest a few moments and the pain would go away. Then walk a few more steps and again experience pain. Then in February 2014, my kidneys finally failed and I was put on haemodialysis. Then I lost circulation in my toes, then gangrene then amputations in May 2014 on my left foot then my left leg below the knee in June 2014Then my big toe on my right leg, on October 2014, and theno the rest of my toes in Nov 2014. By July 2014, I lost 40 liters of of water or 88 pounds of water through haemodialysis. I thought since I had 20 other medical problems besides my 2 kidney disorders that I wouldn't qualify for a kidney transplant. Plus I have 47 chromosomes. But at least, I now know, I won't be getting a kidney.Unless someone invents a cure for poor blood circulation. Not every one who has a chronic kidney disorder will have the kind of problems I have had.recently I was introduced to a herbalist from China by a doctor friend from India, we have to fly from India where I went for the treatment to meet with the herbalist dr sale bashiru in China.just in about two months later I was cured of this disease with herbs and oil.and my wife was becme pregnant after using his herbs and oil too also. We are few years without pain and symptoms now.here is my email address if you need information [e-mail]

[@stannnleee3440]

it is a wonderful idea that works for that sweet sweet grandmother who was happy to hunt for birthday cards. But Some more difficult patients you cannot leave plates, utensils, chalk, dry erase boards, hard heavy objects around because they might hurt themselves or others with those things...

[@kevinchang0527]

This only works on patients who have mobility issues. My father with dementia probably feels anxious staying at home and constantly drive his car (which we already sold in case he does so again) or take public transports to god-know-where. We do have GPS tracking on his phone and watch, but he also forgets to bring those from time to time. There was one time he even forgot to wear any clothes. We still don't have a good solution.

[@laurenmontera9516]

Grandmother with dementia came to stay with us for the past 4 days. She asked when she was going home every day and night repeatedly. I used our calendar each time. Then she told me that I didn't have to be so thurough in my answer.

[@tonycarl]

Please contact Doctor Akhigbe for his herbal medication to cured your Grand mother dementia

[@tonycarl]

Message him on Whats App

[@christiansgrandma6812]

I placed pictures on a poster board as a schedule with the estimated time. In the areas they performed the activity, I placed the same picture as a cue. Example: someone brushing teeth over the bathroom sink.

[@MiamiPush2theLimit]

The old woman is so cute!

[@danzbutrfly]

i know...lol

[@JayJay-lr5wm]

Yes she is

[@maxvigarotti7904]

Until you have to deal with her behavior on a regular basis lol

[@nichl474]

I believe that's an actor, but ok

[@Daughterdaughters]

@@nichl474 it doesn’t matter she’s still adorable

[@themoonlitquill]

I have set dry erase boards all over the house, write all the times and dates for specific activities and appointments, and have even created a large print calendar schedule for my Dad...but he still asks me what day it is, what's the date, what am I supposed to do tomorrow, where are we going tomorrow, etc., etc. It does get frustrating when you're doing everything you can to reduce anxiety, but these efforts seem almost pointless if the person doesn't bother to read them or use them...no matter how numerous and prevalent they are.

[@renaanderson2372]

The Moonlit Quill He’s probably not used to looking at a schedule? Or for some reason, it’s not working... 🙏🏼 for you🤗

[@jasetblake683]

I love People like that my hearts go out

[@LuminoHealth]

Thanks for sharing. We have some caregiving resources coming to KZbin in a few weeks!!

[@kimblebreazell-clark3121]

Great video not to mention granny was so cute

[@renaanderson2372]

Such good advice and tips!!! 🥰

[@lrowe5846]

I know about the struggle bus. Thanks for the video.

[@Nonofmybiznez]

I got my mom a nice framed digital clock that has the day, date and time. It even says morning or afternoon. This has helped with her question of what day is it? I put a dry erase calendar on her refrigerator and keep it updated with her club dates and any appointments. She still asks me what she is supposed to be doing every day.

[@edwardhill7045]

Thank you. This is very helpful

[@christophersedlak1147]

thanks! God bless!

[@wambomatilda]

The videos are rather informative thank you

[@panand099]

Please keep posting more practical videos like this

[@nothin_really_ivo5666]

Thanks for sharing.

[@LearnwithKrishna]

This doesn't work for my dad as he erase what I write n my mom never read it 😭😭

[@LearnwithKrishna]

I m tired n frustrated with my parents both r having alzimer n it's killing my life. Working, n taking care of home n answering their question again n again makes me in stress all the time. Not even for 5 min I get relaxation as when dad is OK mom starts n when mom stops dad start. Added my kid also... I feel like to run away from home. Even when I m at job my mind is at home as they forget to lock door, turn of gas. When I call them they even don't pick up calls... I m not that rich to hire care taker for them n I m single mom so 3 people I have to look after 😭😭😭😭😭

[@jacalyn3]

I'm in the same situation, minus the child. It's killing me.

[@LearnwithKrishna]

@@jacalyn3 I can feel u

[@daynellelevine8472]

I hope it gets better and you get some assistance ❤️ that's a lot on your plate

[@connerjones5956]

1:57 I thought it said get depressed

[@pumpkinpumpkins5117]

Tnq so much for video's

[@mitch1455]

I work in a dementia ward in Australia I get along really well with all the patients I have one lady who will tell me 200 times a day it's going to rain I have another men who will tell me 400 times a day that is car is missing and I have an ex plumber that's digs trenches all over the yard to get it ready to lay storm water pipes.

[@angelmichael8907]

Very helpful

[@mgam4963]

This would have been great for my grandma who has alzheimers and at the moment has a 3 minute memory span it might have gone down since I haven't seen her in a few months my grandma can't read since she never finished here education so trying to remind her this way wouldn't work would a voice recording work?

[@ellensc-hawley3720]

very informative

[@madilynellington]

Oh yeah. I’d just answer it over and over. If they asked what my favorite movie was or something I might talk about different movies each time. I put on this own show for my client each day and every time there was an Olive Garden commercial. Maybe like 5-6 times a day when this commercial came on hed tell me to figure out where Olive Garden is and he’s gonna take me there. 😂

[@CreatingwithWinglessAngel]

I find his repeatitive a saving grace, he watches the same movie all day but just can't remember watching it. Easy to keep him amused

[@jessicaschoonmaker2073]

you seem kinda shitty tbh

[@womandela7225]

@@jessicaschoonmaker2073 What a stupid thing to say. You're clueless.

[@rowenatalie29]

Thank u

[@traiysilyin9478]

My mother asks the same question I just ignore her most of the time..... I'm definitely not answering the same question twenty times a day

[@Ava-oc1dg]

Sometimes I just don't answer and she focuses on something else.

[@neceminlinda]

I don't get frustrated at all. I'm so glad my pops is still alive. His wife will not let his family visit him 😢😢 I miss him!! Is there anything legally I can do??

[@DebUSA]

@NeCe Minlinda . . . I'd suggest you contact the Alzheimer's Association with your legal question. They have many resources listed on their website.

[@neceminlinda]

@@DebUSA Thank you! I called a family law attorney last week and he said there was nothing that can be done because that's his wife and she doesn't have to have him call us or vice vs. I'm definitely going reach out to the Foundation.

[@kathconstance4684]

Thank you for these videos, very helpful at providing some insight into dementia, however this one misses the mark. I wonder what do you advise for the person who asks for something to eat continuously while having dinner.

[@renaanderson2372]

Yes, Diane!!! 🤗

[@lrowe5846]

Do people who suffer from Dementia become obsessive, or tranfixed on a Particular subject.

[@rozenstarzfallz]

leave that oldie watching tv get her ready with a soft smile at the last minute with treats in hand also repetitive music Play music on blast while driving the party then leave her to the other family members. Or drop her off to hang out with other old people a lot. Always take pictures of her with her friends put names of who the persons are & how she knows them written on the photos make her take notes with a note book everyday so she can read her own story it may make her sad yet she will stop asking what time it is since you should buy her a shiny glittery watch to catch her eye also give her a piece of paper with the time of the party so she can read it over & over while looking at tv & staring at her watch. Save you the frustration by keeping her busy with old friends or free sewing classes or church circles make sure they all know what time she should be picked up so she won’t get lost or wander leave her with a usher.

[@adrienbeaudry4077]

What time is the party

[@DebUSA]

Watched on January 17, 2023

[@jenniferb9506]

Ok. So what do you do if the person doesn't like being on a schedule? This would make my client upset with me, like I was bossing her around. And I've tried notes with appt times on them, and she forgets that they're right beside her and asks anyway.

[@ezekielharrison6326]

Maybe say that someone else made a schedule for her? Maybe someone like a relative that she trusts, or when it comes to appointments say that her doctor made the schedule. That way the frustration she feels about being on a schedule is not directed at you.

[@ezekielharrison6326]

Maybe say that someone else made a schedule for her? Maybe someone like a relative that she trusts, or when it comes to appointments say that her doctor made the schedule. That way the frustration she feels about being on a schedule is not directed at you.

[@traceylynn532]

My mother tries to tell stories repetitively usually filled with untruths Usually I just tell she has already told me several times and make my way to do something else...

[@CordayDatzTuff]

My grandma with dementia thinks we poisioninh her n she thinks we random people n when we sleep she sneaks out the house n knocks on peoples door for help n calls the cops

[@womandela7225]

Nursing home time.

[@coylewho]

If that whiteboard was written by the patient it would be more convincing to the patient. Hang it on the wall from hooks. Take it down and place it on a folding table. Caregivers can hold a straightedge to facilitate handwriting from the patient. The patient fills in favorite activities of the day. The caregiver hangs the whiteboard on the wall. Tomorrow, the caregiver changes the date, but the handwriting and favorite activities are undeniable. The patient KNOWS the idea is their own.

[@coylewho]

Now, we just gotta figure out the layout. How big is the wall? How big is the day?

[@sharlaseidel3531]

These are some great communication tips for people with dementia. As the disease progresses, and communication becomes more challenging, these non verbal communication techniques can help: www.midnightsuncare.com/blog/communication-difficulties-in-dementia/

[@thisblondefromla]

Thank you for sharing this

[@tequanwattley7548]

My great grandmother won’t take showers how do I fix that

[@womandela7225]

Tell her the doctor said she has to or she'll have to go to the hospital. Worked for my dad.

[@k.r.1069]

ALL COMMENTS/VIDEOS are regarding caring for ONE parent with dementia. I'm the ONLY CAREGIVER (& I AM 100% DISABLED!) who has cared for TWO PARENTS WHO BOTH HAVE DIFFERENT DEMENTIAS for 6+ YEARS! I have NO children, NO siblings, NOTHING, it has just been ME! My parents are in Stage 7 now, but have DIFFERENT symptoms, DIFFERENT health issues, DIFFERENT Sundowners probs, & on & on & on. The 1st 2-3 yrs (again me 100% disabled! And all they have had! Tho' there were others who did NOTHING!), I worked 90+ hours a wk, eating maybe 2 REAL meals/week, driving n2 my driveway & falling asleep immediately til my husband came out to get me, being so exhausted I'd fall asleep in the morning @ the drop of a pin, spilling my coffee all over my lap! There were nights I BARELY made it home-I was SO exhausted! AGAIN, I'M 100% DISABLED! There was a 6 month period I almost, or did, get n2 car wrecks from sheer exhaustion! No one in my husband's LARGE family undestood, nor TRIED to understand(!), nor helped in ANY way! Tho' I (we) have helped ALL of them in EVERY WAY, 10 adult grandkids, 3 50+ "adult children", & great-grandkids. Gave cars, pd 4 private schools, bought furniture for, sent $ to each month while they bought new cars & we (living without ANY, debt, driving used but nice cars pd w/cash, paying our mortgage off early, & ALWAYS, EVERY MONTH GIVING TO TRULY NEEDY PEOPLE!). We did without wants, buying ONLY needs, while all drove new, fanc.y cars, or had Nike shoe collections, yet they all had zero savings, til we finally woke up & said "NO MORE!"). But NO ONE EVER SPEAKS ABOUT A SOLE CHILD, USUALLY A DAUGHTER, CARING FOR TWO ELDERLY PARENTS WHO BOTH HAVE DIFFERENT DEMENTIAS! I've listened to & read all books, looked online, & found NOTHING! NO HELP FOR US CAREGIVERS OF 2!! I am in the last stage, Stage 7 w/my parents, BOTH parents-who both have VERY different problems, symptoms, issues, Sundowners, & on & on! I am 100% disabled & have lost ALL my health, joy, ability to do ANYTHING that brought me joy, since this hit me (like planting flowers, playing the piano, helping with our personal business, cleaning our home & we haven't had a vacation in 12 yrs - as b4 my parents we cared for another elderly family member who was a piece if cake & peacefully died @ home taking a nap, she had ALL her cognition til the end! But I have been utterly ALONE caring for my parents! Both w/different dementias! Today was HORRIFIC! But there is ZERO HELP FOR THOSE OF US DOING THIS! IT WAS 1 OF 10, NOW PROBABLY MORE! YET NO1 OFFERS HELP TO US?! I'm close to suicide as this is BEYOND the WORST of caring for just one! YET NO BOOKS, NO VIDEOS, NO HELP! Why! WHY!? I have chronic pain, Fybromyalgia, C-PTSD, Severe DEPRESSION, ADD, & MORE! Yet STILL, ALWAYS, ALONE, I've done EVERYTHING FOR MY PARENTS! And let my health go! I feel like I've been living in HELL for 6 years STRAIGHT & no one helps or cares! I know the stress causes my chance of dementia to go up (multiply THAT by 2!!), & I swear that I WILL NOT go down the road I've watched BOTH OF MY PARENTS go down!! Why, why, does no1 help those of use caring for 2 w/dementia? Do you not care, or see the DEVASTATION it does to ENTIRE FAMILIES, but ESP NEEDED!🥺😥

[@timfrank7461]

My mom is going blind too so she can't see the board...

[@fanta6504]

Sams

[@user-xo9ze9sm6k]

She has alzheimers. I would answer politely every time.

[@maryboone903]

The care giver just verbally abused the pt.

[@ajithanabayaratne6113]

Not helpful at all

[@dalexa81]

Why she so rude tho

[@hudson3215]

It was showing what to do and then what not to do

[@larryturner2830]

Throat punching a no?

[@linmilly9184]

Dude come on

[@lashondajackson9177]

A real poor choice of words.

[@glynelllogan1850]

Give them a toy just like you give a child.

[@brendandlovu457]

Very helpful