Hearing the words “I want to go home” from a loved one living with Alzheimer’s can tug at your heartstrings. It’s a phrase filled with layers of emotion and meaning, often expressing more than a desire for a physical place. Understanding how to respond to these moments with warmth and compassion is part of creating a life that feels both meaningful and supported.
For those living with dementia, “home” can symbolize comfort, safety, or familiar routines. It might be a longing for a time or place tied to cherished memories. Responding to this can be an opportunity to honor those emotions, validate their feelings, and gently lead them toward a sense of comfort in their current surroundings.
Some thoughtful tips and strategies to nurture your loved one when they express “I want to go home” include:
- Actively listening and validating their feelings
- Gently redirecting their focus with warmth
- Creating comforting and familiar environments
- Offering reassurance
- Personalizing your approach to their unique needs
- Practicing patience while being fully present.
These techniques foster peace and connection while honoring the individuality of each person’s journey.
Pause, Listen, & Acknowledge
When someone says, “I want to go home,” it’s important to start by truly listening. Try to understand what they mean beyond the words. Are they feeling scared, lost, or unsettled? Or perhaps they are yearning for something familiar in an unfamiliar moment.
Rather than correcting or dismissing their feelings, acknowledge them with compassion. You might say, “It sounds like you’re missing home. Can you tell me about it?” This opens up a connection and lets them know their feelings are valid.
Redirect with Warmth & Positivity
After acknowledging their feelings, focusing on redirection can help ease their worry. The key is to create a sense of security and joy in the present moment.
For example, you could say something like, “Home sounds wonderful. Why don’t we sit together and look through these family photos while we talk about it?” or “That reminds me of your garden—wasn’t it lovely last spring? Would you like to walk outside for some fresh air?”
Engaging them in a soothing activity or conversation gently shifts attention and fosters a sense of belonging.
Create Familiar Spaces
Familiarity brings comfort, especially for someone navigating memory challenges. Personalizing their assisted living or memory care apartments with mementos, family photos, or cherished belongings can provide that feeling of “home” they’re seeking. Creating cozy, recognizable environments helps ground them while nurturing their well-being.
Even subtle touches, like familiar scents or favorite pieces of music, can awaken positive memories and emotions. For example, baking cookies together might remind them of a loving kitchen from their younger years. Small details make a big impact in bridging past experiences with the present.
Reassure with Gentle Honesty
For many loved ones, assurance delivers a calming effect. If they insist on going home, you might respond with gentle truths like, “We’re staying here for now, but I’m so glad I’m here with you,” or “Home is such a special place. We’ll make sure you feel at home here.”
This kind of response reassures them they are not alone and provides a foundation of trust. Aiming to nurture that kind of trust for each person living with dementia helps to cultivate an atmosphere where they feel valued and secure.
Tailor Your Approach to the Person
Every person is unique, and caregiving isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Juniper, we celebrate individuality and tailor experiences based on personal needs, preferences, and personalities. Drawing on details about your loved one’s life can help you respond in ways that resonate deeply with them.
For instance, if your loved one likes to knit or garden, using these activities could help redirect their focus while connecting them to something personal. Moments that honor who they are can help ground them in a sense of identity, even if memories feel blurred.
Be Present & Patient
Living in the moment is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone living with dementia. Patience goes hand in hand with being present. Rather than trying to “fix” their feelings, sometimes simply sitting together, holding hands, or sharing quiet time can speak volumes.
At Juniper, we believe in nurturing the spirit of life by building relationships grounded in presence and connection. Even during moments of uncertainty, your calm presence can be a guiding light.
Caring Together, Living Life Fully
Navigating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can feel like discovering a new language, one rooted in emotions rather than logic. But there’s beauty in meeting a loved one where they are, nurturing their essential spirit with empathy and respect, and creating moments they can genuinely enjoy.
Juniper Village at South Hills is dedicated to fostering a life full of possibilities for people living with dementia. Within our secure neighborhoods, we offer personalized care, innovative programs, and vibrant social environments that enable every person to thrive.
If you’re searching for a community that embraces your loved one’s individuality and focuses on nurturing their well-being, we’d love to welcome you to Juniper. Discover how we can support your family by scheduling a visit. Together, we can create a future where your loved one continues to experience joy, comfort, and connection in every season of life.