The picture frame referred to in my question contains photos from our large family- six children, their spouses, about 25 grand and great grandchildren. Mom loves to watch the photos change every 15 seconds, but she does not recognize most of the faces. Should I limit how many pics are on the frame or let mom sit and look at anll of them anyway because she enjoys looking at them?
If you can change the setting maybe add a little more time between the change. When I became concerned my husband was not seeing properly, our neuro-opthalmalogist said there is nothing physically wrong with his eyes but rather he is having trouble at times "processing" what he sees.
I agree with everyone, as long as she enjoys them then do not be concerned with how or why she enjoys them. I remember reading somewhere (maybe even here) that hobbies and former interests do not need to end with dementia. We don't have to understand how much they comprehend, whether it is simply reading or looking at a collectibles, etc., as long as they seem content and not upset. It was advised not to use our reasoning to make decisions for someone with dementia as long as it is a safe activity for them to continue.
I have one and it's not on all the time. Maybe one week of a month and I love looking at the photos and seeing the new ones as they get posted.
If it's not upsetting to your mom, leave it be. Maybe turn it off once in a while, give her a rest.
I probably have over 400 pics on mine and it's delightful to walk in the LR and see who is on the screen.
We thought it was wonderful and she did too… for about a week or two. At first, she really really enjoyed it….but then all of a sudden she started to get upset and anxious and was wandering …trying to find her mother (deceased years ago). It was making her anxious and she was having bad dreams.
Her caregivers reached out to me and asked me to remove the albums because it was causing her such anxiety., which we did, and all the symptoms stopped and everything went back to her normal state.
She never asked about them again.
I don't understand why you would take them away due to her not recognizing who they are, considering you say "... she enjoys looking at them."
I would say that absolutely DO NOT tell her this is her family - if she doesn't remember. Why bring that up (I am not saying that you are) although some people with 'good intentions' might do that which could frustrate the person with dementia who doesn't remember.
All these situations need to be managed / dealt with individually and with sensitivity / observation. It is not easy to navigate at times. It is trial by error. We learn as we go along.
I sense there is another question in here somewhere and I am not sure what it is. There is something about her not recognizing the family that seems to be triggering you or causing you to question showing them to her. Is this correct?
Would you want to put other photos in there?
She likely would enjoy looking at any others if you feel you want to change them. However, this is your large family - so it connects her to all of you even if she outwardly doesn't recognize that fact / anyone in the photos.
The key here to focus on is that she ENJOYS looking at them.
There is no reason (from what I can understand) why you would take this 'little enjoyment' away from her. Or to put it another way, why would do you want to limit the number of pics? What is your reasoning / objective in doing that?
I am missing something here and I do not know what it is.
My perspective is that she finds ENJOYMENT and that is something major for YOU to be grateful for - she is engaged and that often isn't easy to do with a person inflicted with dementia. Perhaps show her other photos - new photos of the family - or whatever else you want to show her, i.e, gardens, flowers, sunsets, animals (baby animals) - see what she responds to most.
Perhaps you are sad that she doesn't recognize the family.
This is certainly understandable.
And, this is another question or area to focus on - how you feel about her not recognizing the family.
Does it make you sad when she looks at them and not recognize anyone?
Or perhaps the question is:
How do you feel when she views these photos and doesn't recognize anyone?
Personally, I can't imagine how hard / difficult this must be for you to be with your mom and her not recognizing you/the family. It must be heartbreaking.
I am not clear on the question. And the only support I can provide is by asking you more questions.
Gena / Touch Matters