Repetition is one of the most common and challenging behaviors in dementia care. Residents may ask the same question dozens of times in a day, or tell the same story on repeat. While this can be frustrating, especially in a busy care environment, it often stems from anxiety, confusion, or unmet emotional needs.
For senior living professionals, managing these moments with empathy while maintaining structure is key. That’s where dementia therapy activities become an essential part of quality memory care.
When a resident repeatedly asks, “What time is the walk?” the underlying need may not be about time at all. They could be worried about physical discomfort, uncertain about who’s joining, or unsure if they’re prepared. Simply repeating the answer doesn’t always resolve their distress.
Dementia expert Allyson Schrier recommends responding with curiosity rather than correction. In a long-term care setting, staff can say:
“Are you excited about today’s walk?” or “Is there anything that’s making you feel unsure?”
This opens the door for residents to express emotional needs that might otherwise remain hidden.
Activities that stimulate memory, support routine, and offer gentle sensory engagement can help reduce repetitive questions. Examples include:
ZinniaTV enhances these approaches by offering dementia-friendly videos that are specifically designed to redirect attention and reduce overstimulation. For example, a resident repeating a story about a childhood pet may benefit from a calming ZinniaTV video about dogs—offering both comfort and redirection.
Repetition not only affects residents, but also creates stress for care teams. It can disrupt activities, increase emotional strain, and lead to tension between residents. That’s why having simple, ready-to-use dementia therapy activities is so valuable.
ZinniaTV supports staff by:
These resources help reduce caregiver fatigue while improving the quality of engagement.
ZinniaTV was built for professional care settings. Whether you’re leading a memory care activity program or supporting one-on-one engagement, the platform provides:
When repetitive questions arise, ZinniaTV can help guide the moment toward calm and connection.
Try ZinniaTV in Your Community
Repetitive questions don’t have to derail your team’s day. Explore how ZinniaTV fits into your dementia therapy activities program and supports residents with evidence-informed content that works.
Schedule a demo today and bring more calm into memory care.
