I Am Sorry

Today’s insight discusses apologizing to a loved one with dementia. “I am sorry.” Powerful statements to heal a relationship.

Transcription of Video:

Hi, I’m Deb Nygaard with Arthur’s Residential Care presenting today’s Insights from Arthur’s.

Today I want to talk about “I am sorry.” When you are having an argument or disagreement with your loved one with dementia it’s easiest to heal the relationship by simply admitting that you are sorry. Very genuinely you can say some powerful things that can heal your relationship.

One of the things you can say is, “I’m sorry that happened. I didn’t mean for that to happen.” It helps if you kind of lower yourself, beneath your loved one so that they can look down at you very comfortably.

You could also say, “I’m sorry. This is really hard.” Sometimes you just need to empathize with your loved one. Other times you may need to say, “I’m sorry I spoke to you like a child.” When you ask your loved one for forgiveness they often can’t resist that.

“I’m sorry. I was trying to help.” The response you may get is, “ You are not being very helpful.” That’s okay. Just say, “I’m sorry.”

You can also say, “I’m sorry I made you angry. I didn’t mean to.”

I’m Deb Nygaard with Arthur’s Residential Care.

Contact Deb Nygaard
Director of Development
Arthur’s Residential Care: 651-429-4798