My 95 year old father lives with my sister. She takes very good care of him. Normally he is fine. Can manage most daily activities with some help. But he is sometimes very paranoid about domestic helpers coming into his room and trying to harm him even though they are trusted. He even keeps asking about his bank finances - asking same thing again and again. This stresses my sister a lot. How should my sister handle this? Should she answer the same question again and again?
Anyone faced the same situation?
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Nice suggestion. Thank you
Nice suggestion. Thank you Swapna.
Repetitive questions,
Repetitive questions, suspicion/ paranoia are very common. I faced them for years. They can be annoying and stressful. Your sister can handle these better if she accepts them as a sign of confusion, forgetfulness, and insecurity. She will then find it easier to be patient and creative in responding.
Things to avoid
* don't argue or tell him he is inconsiderate or had asked the question a few days (or minutes) ago
* don't force him to do something
* don't show anger or sadness.
Things to try
* take a deep breath to calm do
* if it is a question (like bank balance) answer it every time. I used to note it in a diary and keep it updated, then use it to answer my mother. Sometimes she read the diary instead of asking me
* if it is fear of others, keep reassuring him. Remain present to make sure he feels safe
* distraction can help
* changes in the home/ daily routine may help.
* find what triggers the behavior. Reduce/ remove it.
Hope this helps
Swapna Kishore