Dementia Care in Cook County

How to Answer “I Want to Go Home”

Caring for a loved one with dementia can lead to challenging situations where you’re unsure how to respond. At Visiting Angels® Tifton, our dementia care team has developed strategies for these moments. Families in Cook County may find these situations particularly hard.

One common scenario is when a loved one says they want to go home, even though they’re already there. If you’re uncertain how to address this, here are three tips from our Tifton dementia care team that might help.

Responding to “I Want to Go Home” - Tips from Our Dementia Care Team

1. Offer an Affirming Response: Instead of insisting they are already home, provide a reassuring reply. Telling them they are at home might increase their confusion and stress. Instead, acknowledge their desire to go home and let them know you’ll start preparing to leave soon. This approach offers comfort and buys you some time.
2. Focus on the Underlying Issue: When someone with dementia says they want to go home, it often means they’re feeling tired, confused, anxious, or stressed. Focus on making them feel more at ease. Use a calm and soothing tone, discuss comforting topics, and try to eliminate any sources of stress.
3. Redirect Their Attention: A helpful strategy is to shift their focus to something else. Here are a few ideas:
• Ask them to help with a simple task, like tidying up a table.
• Play one of their favorite songs, movies, or TV shows after a short wait.
• Engage them in a conversation about topics that bring them joy or comfort.

Our Dementia Care Services in Cook County

If you’re concerned about a loved one with dementia in Cook County, Visiting Angels Tifton is here to help. Our dementia care services enable individuals with dementia to live safely and comfortably at home, while also providing essential support to family caregivers.

Visiting Angels Tifton offers in-home dementia care services in:

• Cook County
• Tifton
• Ashburn
• Cordele
• Vienna
• Unadilla
• Moultrie
• Nashville
• And the surrounding areas

Contact Visiting Angels Tifton today to request a free dementia care consultation for your loved one in Cook County.