Frequent phone calls are a common concern for caregivers of individuals with dementia, often causing distress and disrupting routines. This behavior can cause distress for the person with dementia and their family, disrupting daily routines and creating confusion. Understanding the underlying reasons for these calls and implementing practical strategies can help manage this situation. This article outlines approaches to address excessive phone calls, focusing on device management, environmental adjustments, and professional guidance.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Frequent Calls
Frequent phone calls from individuals with dementia often stem from underlying cognitive and emotional factors. Repetition, a common dementia symptom, can manifest as repeatedly calling the same person or number, forgetting previous conversations. Confusion or disorientation regarding time or place may lead to calls at inappropriate hours, such as late at night, believing it is daytime.
Feelings of loneliness, boredom, or separation anxiety can also prompt repeated calls, as the person seeks reassurance or connection. They may feel isolated and use the phone to alleviate this. Sometimes, the calls are driven by a perceived need to contact specific individuals, which might include deceased relatives or people from their past, due to delusions or memory impairment. Understanding these motivations helps caregivers respond effectively.
Managing Phone Access and Devices
Direct interventions with phone access and device modification can significantly reduce problematic calling. Simplified phones, such as those with large buttons or picture dialing, can make communication more manageable by reducing complexity. Some specialized phones designed for individuals with dementia, like the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, feature a single screen with contact photos, allowing calls with a simple touch and offering remote caregiver management. Devices like the Jitterbug Flip2 also provide large tactile buttons and simplified menus for user-friendliness.
Call blocking technology offers a direct solution for controlling calls. Devices such as TrueCall Secure or CPR Protect Plus filter calls, allowing only approved numbers to connect. These systems allow caregivers to manage allowed contacts remotely and can block premium rate, international, or repetitive calls. Services like teleCalm are designed to prevent compulsive dialing and can intercept false emergency calls, redirecting them without involving emergency services. In some instances, removing a traditional landline might be considered, relying instead on a simplified mobile phone with controlled features to limit misuse and ensure safety.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Beyond managing phone devices, establishing a supportive and engaging environment can reduce the urge for excessive calling. Implementing a consistent daily routine provides predictability, minimizing confusion and anxiety for individuals with dementia. Engaging the person in meaningful activities throughout the day alleviate boredom and provide purpose, reducing the likelihood of seeking connection through constant phone calls. These activities can include sensory exercises, music therapy, art activities, or gentle physical activity, tailored to preferences and abilities.
Providing alternative communication and social interaction is beneficial. Scheduled visits from family and friends, or video calls with trusted contacts, can fulfill the need for structured connection. Memory aids, such as memory wallets or personalized photo albums, can prompt conversation and maintain engagement. Ensuring the individual feels safe and secure within their living space can reduce anxiety that might prompt calls for reassurance. A calm environment, free from excessive noise and clutter, contributes to well-being.
When to Consult Healthcare Professionals
Consulting healthcare professionals is important when frequent phone calls become persistent, escalate, or indicate other underlying issues. If the calling behavior is causing significant distress to the individual or others, or concerns about financial exploitation due to scam calls, professional guidance is advised. A healthcare provider can assess for new or worsening medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections or pain, which may manifest as sudden behavioral changes.
Reviewing current medications is a consideration, as some drugs might contribute to confusion or agitation. A physician or neurologist can evaluate the person’s overall cognitive and physical health to identify the root cause. Mental health teams can offer specialized behavioral therapy strategies for complex issues or conditions like depression. Seeking professional support ensures a comprehensive approach to managing the behavior and addressing overall well-being.