How do you cope with these repetitive questions?

Pinang, before we are charged with caregiving for a loved one, we should all be given a course in diplomacy and psychology.

My husband doesnt have dementia, but since his stroke his cognition is impaired, he doesn’t process what I say and I often have to repeat myself. He is pretty much out of touch with the outside world and I have to explain myself to him constantly. And, I think he is hard of hearing. I often say my life is like the movie “Groundhog Day.”

Sure, it’s annoying as heck. But, someone who is dealing with their elderly dad commented here that they have found speaking slowly and directly to the person does help. Get right in front of your husband and look directly at him before you tell him something. It does help.

Pinang, I have to ask. Are you dealing with someone who keeps asking repetitive questions or are you asking how we deal with posters who keep asking the same question—like how a family caregiver can get paid? Just wondering.

Either tell yourself it won't upset you to hear and respond to the same question over and over, or answer the question but immediately try to get the person's mind thinking and talking about something else. In other words---change the topic and get them absorbed in other things. If they favor certain memories or have special likes (as in photo albums, baking simple things, music, etc.--try to turn their thoughts there with your own questions). Note: you have to think ahead of them to prepare for these kinds of things. They do not know they are repeating themselves so try not to take it personally or get frustrated---they cannot help it. Try to put yourself in their shoes and find the compassion to share with them that you would want if the tables were turned.