Does anyone have any tips on how to comfort a crying whiny parent in these times? I think the Dementia has turned into Alzheimer's.
98 yr. old male who's been in assisted living facility for 2 yrs. now. Has mostly family caregivers but still cries often enough to stress us. Hard to take anymore.
Alzheimers is actually a type of dementia, but parts of his brain may be changing more.
Does he see a geriatric psychiatrist? He may need meds, but it really depends on what is going on. Just like crying in children, crying in older people/dementia patients can possibly mean someone need medication, but it could also mean something in a person's environment needs to be addressed. Does he tell you why he is crying? How do you feel about the home and the staff?
In the short term, would there be ways to distract him away from being sad...either with topics that interest him (hobbies, updates on grandkids or other people he may like), stories of the past, or small gifts? It may seem simple, but I find thinking about those things ahead of time (even writing down things to talk about and having a little bag of distractions) can really help.
5 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Alzheimer's is the most often occurring type is dementia.
Why on earth do your sisters not want to address the chemical brain changes that come with dementia?
He is in psychic pain, for crying out loud. What are they afraid of?
ADVERTISEMENT
Does he see a geriatric psychiatrist? He may need meds, but it really depends on what is going on. Just like crying in children, crying in older people/dementia patients can possibly mean someone need medication, but it could also mean something in a person's environment needs to be addressed. Does he tell you why he is crying? How do you feel about the home and the staff?
In the short term, would there be ways to distract him away from being sad...either with topics that interest him (hobbies, updates on grandkids or other people he may like), stories of the past, or small gifts? It may seem simple, but I find thinking about those things ahead of time (even writing down things to talk about and having a little bag of distractions) can really help.