Protecting Your Loved-one from Information Overload
When you are caring for someone with a chronic illness, minimizing stress and anxiety makes for a healthier emotional environment for all. We are living in a time where scary and terrible things are happening in our world due to the pandemic and civil rights protests and we hear of tragedy every day. Whether your loved one over hears distressing conversations or watches the news and feels helpless to do anything, worry and agitation may result. It is even more disturbing for people living with dementia because they have difficulty processing information. Below are some tips to help keep you and your family member from experiencing too much information during our challenging times.
- Monitoring television watching for people living with dementia is crucial. They can be easily confused about news stories they hear or the violent videos they see, and may think the events are happening down the street or at their son’s house who is living in another state.
- Whether your family member is experiencing confusion due to cognitive decline, or are just not able to discuss events thoughtfully, anxiety can result and may present it as insomnia, restlessness, wandering, and even nightmares.
- Studies have linked viewing violence with an increased risk for aggression and anger.
- People who have memory loss will experience the bad event they see or hear about as if it were the first time they hear it every time. Be mindful of not sharing frightening or disturbing information repeatedly.
- When communicating with older adults, avoid overloading with information. Regardless of whether there is cognitive decline, studies show that older adults need more time to process information.
- Asking “yes” and “no” questions rather than open-ended questions are considered best when communicating with someone with cognitive decline or an older adult. Rather than talking and trying to engage in a conversation as you prepare their shower, ask simple questions such as “Are you cold,” “Do you need your robe?” instead of chattering about why it is important to shower or why the shower is necessary for today.
- Try calming or familiar music during showers they can enjoy rather than trying to process lots of verbal information. You may find showering can be more pleasant. The number one reason older adults are reluctant to taking showers or baths is that they are afraid of being cold. Placing the towels in the drier for a few minutes prior to the shower may help to avoid the shivers.
- As we adapt to the changes in our world, we hear and see more information than we can remember and process. Information overload can overtax our own working memory; the memory skill that gives us the ability to hold in our conscious awareness five to seven items. Imagine how frustrating is it must be for people who have difficulty forming thoughts or ideas or expressing their feelings.
- Watching television is an activity many older adults have embraced throughout their lifetime. Sitting and watching comedies, nature shows, or vintage movies with your loved one can offer opportunities to connect and share joyful moments.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
If you would like more information on our Memory Ministry or need tips on caregiving, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org.