What if someone with dementia says or does something wrong?

Learn about the things that have helped young people who know someone with dementia.

When Nan asks me the same question over and over again I just answer it because Nan can’t remember what she said and I don’t want to upset her.

Sarah

kids-ARUK-Lifestyle-128

My granddad would go through all of the kitchen drawers looking for something and emptying the contents of them on to the counter and my grannie would go around and help him look for whatever he was looking for (which neither of them knew) just so she didn’t make him feel uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s better to make the person feel like what they are doing is totally normal because to them, it is..

Imogen

When Nan tries to pick up food with her fingers or the wrong cutlery I pass her a fork or a napkin, I know that's it's because she has Alzheimer’s disease.

Sarah

We don't correct Granny if she gets things wrong.

Oscar

Try to not disagree with them. Go along with what they say or do, as long as they are safe.

Karen

It’s ok to make light of some situations and laugh about them.

Joshua

If they forget people, use photos from the past to try and explain who those people are.

Brendon

Don’t treat them differently – they’re still human. It’s not their fault – just go along with it.

Harrison

What works for us

What we talk about

What we do together

How we help