My LO is ambulatory and she enjoys going out to eat and riding in the car. Her “loop” of the same questions mostly disappears when we are out. I think the visual stimulation is very good for her.
The problem comes when I take her back to her room. Then all the same 8 or so questions begin and she can easily go for 1 hour (or however long I’ll stay). I have signs up and prompt cards which help - but she prefers to get the info from me. The longer I stay, it seems the more upset she gets with herself. She says she wants to go over it with me so it will help her get the info in her head. It seems cruel to leave but almost more cruel to stay. Sometimes I’ll text my sister and tell her to call my LO so I can extricate myself.
Thoughts anyone?
“I love you Dear (______), and I have to go to (_____) right now, but I’ll be back (tomorrow, soon). It’s almost time for (supper, recreation time, a movie, your nap). Hope you enjoy it”.
And then LEAVE. Her caregivers are familiar with her behavior, and will deal with it after you leave. Don’t turn around or come back or respond to what she says.
This was the toughest part of placing my LO, and this approach DID work.
The event was over, we did lunch and took a ride, I left on a positive note, she merged back into her life.
Took me a few times to figure this one out!
I would lovingly tell her goodbye and that you will see her soon. She will adapt to her surroundings after you leave.
You can always call her facility after you get home if you need reassurance of how she is doing.
Best wishes to you and your family.
don't make a big deal about leaving just go. Harder on you than her.
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