It can be tough to watch a family member experience cognitive decline. Among other challenges, they may say things that seem false, and you might feel an urge to correct them.
However, is it worth it to point out where they might be wrong? Read on to learn more.
It’s True to Them
It’s vital to keep in mind that when someone experiencing cognitive decline or dementia says something that you know is untrue, it is true in their mind. They don’t see what they’re saying as a lie or misstatement. They don’t necessarily understand that they’re making an error because it feels true to them.
Correcting Your Family Member May Be Harmful
Pointing out where your loved one is wrong might feel like the right thing to do. However, since they don’t necessarily understand their error, calling them out can be quite harmful.
For one, they might feel embarrassed or threatened that you’re questioning what they’re saying. This could potentially lead to arguments that, given the circumstances, you can never truly win. All you will do is harm your relationship with your loved one and make them angry at or upset with you.
Logic won’t work, either. Cognitive decline and dementia alter how the brain works, so they won’t think the same way that they used to. Logic might work a bit differently for your loved one.
It’s Often OK to Not Correct Your Loved One
When it comes to the falsehood your loved one is claiming, it’s important to step back and consider if correcting it matters at all. For example, if they say something incorrect that doesn’t harm anyone, it doesn’t matter. Arguing with them over the point will create arguments and unhappiness, yet there’s no true upside.
Don’t worry — you aren’t encouraging anything bad, either. At first, it might seem like you’re allowing something that could hurt your loved one at some point, but in many cases, it won’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
It Takes Getting Used To
Allowing false statements and incorrect memories to slip by without correcting them is a bit tough. Knowing how to properly respond can take some practice. Fortunately, professionals at care agencies can help you out. They know how to deal with these situations, and can even teach you how to handle them as well.
If you or your aging loved one is considering home care or home health services, the skilled and caring professionals at Angels on Call would be happy to help. Please contact us at 1-888-432-1070 to learn more about our services.
