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Caring Through Dementia · Episode 1 · Free
Join Her World
Ruth is sure it's 1985 and she must get to school.
In this scene
Ruth: I need my bag. My students are waiting for me at school.
Lucia: You must love teaching. What grade do you teach?
Ruth: Third grade. They're a handful, but such sweet children.
Lucia: Tell me about them while we have some tea first.
Monique: Good. Arguing about the year only upsets her. Meeting her feelings calms her.
Questions to think about
- Ruth thinks she must go to school. You:
- Arguing with someone with dementia often:
- Focus on:
Meet her where she isWhen someone with dementia believes something that isn't true, arguing often causes distress. Respond to the feeling behind the words, show interest, and gently guide them to something calming. Kindness matters more than correcting facts.
About this series
For home care aides and care teams: responding to confusion, late-day restlessness, wandering, simple steps, eating changes, kitchen safety, recognition, family updates, refusals and meaningful days.