When you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, few things are as emotionally draining as hearing the same question repeated over and over. It can feel relentless—and guilt-inducing when your patience wears thin.
Questions like “What time is dinner?” or “Are we going somewhere today?” might be repeated because your loved one simply doesn’t remember the answer. But sometimes, there’s more going on: anxiety, confusion, or a need for connection.
One of the most effective ways to ease this pattern is through thoughtful, structured memory care activities that offer reassurance and gentle redirection.
In many types of dementia, short-term memory is affected. A person may not recall having asked a question, or even that it’s already been answered.
But repetition can also reflect emotional needs. Dementia expert Allyson Schrier shares that a repeated question might be your loved one’s way of saying, “I’m hungry,” “I’m nervous,” or “I need company.”
That’s why it’s important to get curious: What are they really asking for?
Certain memory care activities can help your loved one feel more grounded, understood, and less likely to perseverate on the same thought. Here are a few to try:
These activities don’t just fill time—they help meet your loved one where they are emotionally.
ZinniaTV is a library of video content specifically created for people living with dementia. With slow pacing, familiar visuals, and no complex plotlines, it’s the kind of screen time that soothes instead of overwhelms.
Many family caregivers use ZinniaTV as a way to:
If your loved one asks about their childhood pet over and over, try a video featuring animals. If they’re restless in the evening, a nature scene can help them settle. ZinniaTV becomes one of the most helpful memory care activities in your daily routine.
You don’t have to carry the emotional weight of dementia care alone. Small changes—like using structured memory care activities and tools like ZinniaTV—can ease the stress and bring more peace to your day.
Start your free trial of ZinniaTV and discover a calmer way to respond to repetitive questions at home.
