Whether we live in Allentown, the greater Lehigh Valley area, or anywhere else, the truth is that we live in a global world. If you are old enough, you remember turning on the “evening news” to find out what’s happening in the world. You may also have subscribed to the morning paper—and if you’re really old, you also got the evening edition of the same paper! And maybe some juicy tidbits over the back fence.
What are the dangers to a memory care resident of too much information?
Today, we are trapped in a 24/7 news cycle like a tornado sucking us into its funnel. News from all over the world, good and bad, comes at us from radios, TVs, streaming devices, publications, flashing billboards, and chatty people. For the person with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, this bombardment of information can be particularly bothersome. For someone already prone to anxiety and confusion, all this data can provoke or amplify anger, fear, depression, and other negative feelings.
Although dementia is usually considered to be a memory problem, people sometimes retain memories from early childhood and young adulthood, especially traumatic ones. Listening to news or programs about a current war can trigger memories of bad experiences in Vietnam or some other war. This can result from time-shifting, when the person believes they are living in the past. The brain tries to fill in recent memory gaps with memories from the distant past, resulting in confusion.
What is a possible solution to information overload?
The most obvious solution to the problem is to limit the type and quantity of information available to the person. This includes “regular” TV shows and movies, because dementia sufferers may not be able to understand that the players are just actors, and these are not real events. Set up a schedule for “checking in” to the news for a limited period of time.
Knowing a person’s background and history can help a caregiver, family member, or other visitor bring safety and comfort to the person experiencing time-shifting or other symptoms. One important tip to remember, especially when they ask difficult questions, is to live in the person’s reality. For example, if a person living in a memory care community asks, “When am I going home?”, it’s best not to try to convince them that they are home. A simple, comforting answer could be, “How can we make you comfortable for now?” then perhaps distract them with a game or snack or other topic. A direct lie is not helpful, and if found out, the person may no longer trust you.
Remember, you are not going to change their perspective of reality; that can frustrate you and them, so try to live in theirs. If you are Aunt Jane, you are Aunt Jane. Tomorrow, you may be Cousin Emily. Go with it.
For more tips and insights, read these articles at Alzheimer’s Society: Difficult questions and telling the truth to a person with dementia, and Supporting people with dementia during distressing news events.
Whatever the cause or level of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.