Senior Memory Loss: 8 Stress-Relief Care Techniques

Erica and her sister, Sammy, faced the challenges of her father’s memory loss. Determined to make the best of the situation, they embarked on a journey focused on minimizing stress and increasing laughter. In this story, Erica and Sammy discovered that there was room for joy and connection even in the face of memory loss.  Here are the tricks and techniques they discovered to help Dan, the forgetful family member:

First, Erica uses her phone to take super detailed notes. Whenever Dad forgot something simple, like brushing his teeth or misplacing the glasses, she recorded it. It became like a comedy show, with each forgetful moment becoming a humorous anecdote to share.

Next, they became detectives, searching for the triggers behind the memory loss. Was it the loss of a loved one? Or perhaps a wild fall or accident? Maybe the new surroundings or medication were overwhelming. They approached it like solving a mystery, unraveling the reasons behind the forgetfulness.  If things seemed fishy, Sammy encouraged Dan to visit the doctor. Sometimes, memory loss could result from a urinary infection or pneumonia. Who would have thought that antibiotics could cure memory loss? It was a surprising revelation, like a twist in a thrilling novel.

Throughout this journey, Erica and Sammy learn to respect Dan’s forgetfulness. They don’t want him to feel like he is losing his marbles. They listen attentively when accompanying them to the doctor, letting Dan babble away. His participation is part of the show, and it is a unique and endearing performance.

Sometimes, memory loss takes a sudden and significant turn for the worse. Dan forgets his name or mistakenly thinks the two girls are superheroes. They know it is time to rush to the emergency room, seeking medical professionals as their guides. It becomes an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Understanding the limitations of Dan’s wonky brain, Sammy learned to keep conversations short and sweet. They avoided overwhelming Dan with information, opting for simple and concise sentences. For instance, if Erica needed to go grocery shopping, she would say, “I’m off to buy groceries!” There is no need for lengthy explanations about forgetfulness.

Convincing Dan to move in with them became another challenge. They tried to explain the risks of living alone with memory loss, but some people needed a doctor’s intervention to truly understand. It was like persuading a stubborn teenager to clean their room, a delicate dance of empathy and multiple tries of persuasion.

When Dan said something outrageous or accused them of things they didn’t do, Sammy learned not to argue. It was like arguing with a goldfish – utterly pointless and frustrating. Instead, Sammy let Dan have his moment, embracing the emerging wild stories. It was like being transported into a fantasy novel, with Dan as the protagonist.

Erica and Sammy also avoided playing guessing games that might embarrass Dan. Questions like “Do you remember who I am?” or “Where did we meet?” were cruel pranks. Instead, they introduced themselves and others every time they saw Dan. Think of this as meeting a new friend daily, a fresh start filled with warmth and understanding.

Erica proactively reminded Sammy that Dan could still hear and sense them, even if his memories disappeared. So they watched their words and manners, ensuring they did not overwhelm Dan. They remained encouraging, cheerful, and friendly, creating an atmosphere akin to being the star of their sitcom.

With each other’s support and positive encouragement during tough moments, Erica and Sammy prevented severe stress and BURNOUT.  They also suggested that small progress and blessings were their rock in fulfilling this caregiving journey.

In the end, as time passed, memories gradually faded. Dan’s final days were characterized by brightness and deep significance. The atmosphere was joyful and understanding, with laughter creating a positive environment that embraced forgetfulness and empathy.

How to Beat Burnout  (Learn more)