Repetition may be because of memory loss. The person might not be able to remember what they’ve done or said, or the answer they received to a question. For example, they may keep checking if they have their wallet or handbag with them or keep checking their fridge to make sure they have enough food.
It is very likely that the person does not know they keep asking the same question or repeating the same action. Often if someone is repeating the same question, they need an emotional rather than factual response. This may be because the person feels confused or anxious. They need comfort, security or to feel included or reassured rather than the repeated answer to their question. For example, if they keep asking what day it is they may need reassuring they haven’t forgotten something rather than needing to know that it’s Monday.
Mum has dementia and repeats the same questions 100 times over
For one woman living with her mother who has dementia has taken some adjusting to. Here, she provides tips on dealing with Alzheimer’s has helped her to cope as her mum repeats the same questions….
Tips for managing repetitive behavior
- Try to be patient and keep your tone level calm.
- If the person keeps asking about the time or date, consider putting a calendar or clock somewhere they can easily see it.
- Think about what needs are behind the behavior. For example, if the person keeps asking if they’ve been to the supermarket, they may be worried about running out of food.
- If the person keeps looking for a particular item, they have an allocated place for it that is easy to see and access.
- Look at what may be triggering the behavior – for example, does this happen the same time of day or around the same people? See our information on identifying triggers.
- The person’s life history is helpful to bear in mind. For example, if they used to work in a café, restaurant or pub, they may feel the need to keep wiping down surfaces.
- Distracting the person or engaging them in an activity they enjoy can help to shift their focus onto something else.
- Sometimes the person’s repetitive actions seem anxious – for example they repetitively zip and unzip their cardigan, twist their fingers or keep taking their glasses off and putting them back on again. If so, there may be products that can help to provide reassurance such as fidget or twiddle muffs or sensory blankets.
- If the behavior is not harmful or causing a problem, accept that the person finds it comforting and reassuring and let it be…
At Personal Senior Care Homes, we provide care for our residents that has many types of dementia related issues. We know the signs and the proper care to give comfort. If you are interested in seeing our homes firsthand, please reach out to me Steve Brock 513-505-5018