Socializing

r001norris

My DW is in mid stage Alzheimer’s, we go to a campground with a pool, which she loves. People tend to socialize at the pool, and she repeats questions many times. I try to let her know that they have answered that question, and I’m not sure others understand what’s going on. I try to keep her in the conversation, but not sure how to handle this.

charley0419

I’d let others know of her issue. Also I’ve learned not to correct them especially in front of others. I know it’s hard but some here had notes she gave when meeting new ppl.

Belle60

Earlier in his disease, we made a deal that I would let him know when he was repeating himself by tapping on his shoulder. But that backfired on me. When I did it he became angry at me and said he wasnt repeating himself. So I stopped and just let it play out. Most people are understanding and eventually understand what is going on.

r001norris

I tried by telling her I would tap her on the leg, but she can’t remember why I tap her on the leg.

CampCarol

I just let it go as well; usually people figure it out on their own. If I’m able to get one (or more) off to the side, I will tell them what’s happening. We tried tapping and a little hand signal; neither of those worked.

Jazzma

I printed out business cards (you can buy the card stock for a regular printer) that say

The person with me has dementia.

Please be patient and kind.

His name is ____________.

I give them to waiters, attendants, shopkeepers, people he starts chatting with…they are routinely discreet and often continue to interact with him while realizing his condition. People can be very kind if they know the situation.

murpc76

I have been considering doing this. Thank you for mentioning it.

Stan2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/70352/socializing

I really find it amazing how quickly others pick up on the problem and adjust their own behavior to accommodate. The only time I interfere is if I see DW struggling to answer a question. Then I will help her with the answer.

SDianeL

she asks the same questions because she doesn’t remember asking or them answering so she’s not going to remember you correcting her. Tell the people at the pool and explain that she has memory loss and that means she will ask the same question multiple times. Many people don’t understand the disease.

​fesk

Yes, I agree. Use the cards or just a simple explanation. I've found most people are very considerate.