Last week, I used Bing’s (Microsoft’s) version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT for the first time. While AI has been with us a long while, the third and fourth Generative Pretrained Transformers are where the excitement lies. Their potential is seemingly endless. For example, why pay an expert or content creator hundreds of dollars or even a thousand when you can get something for almost nothing?
Please know, The Caregiver’s Voice will continue publishing original articles written by humans. Still, I wanted to experience what all the rave is about.
Instead of having a conversation (ChatGPT), I chose “compose.” I then asked Bing’s AI to write about “Humor and caregiving for people with dementia” and set two parameters: medium length and funny.
Here is the initial draft generated without any content or punctuation editing. It’s quite good, actually. Quite addictive. And it would only require editing; such as adding a comma before the last item in a list of more than two. I did format what it composed, adding headings and bold and dividing paragraphs to make it easier to read.
Humor and Caregiving for People with Dementia
Caregiving for people with dementia can be challenging, stressful and exhausting.
But it can also be rewarding, meaningful and humorous. Yes, humorous. Sometimes, the best way to cope with the difficulties of dementia is to find the humor in them. Humor can help you and your loved one relax, connect and enjoy the moment. It can also reduce tension, anxiety and depression.
Of course, not everything about dementia is funny.
And humor is not appropriate in every situation. You have to be sensitive, respectful and empathetic to your loved one’s feelings and needs. You also have to be careful not to laugh at them, but with them.
Here are some tips on how to use humor in caregiving for people with dementia:
– Find out what makes your loved one laugh.
Maybe it’s a funny movie, a joke book, a comic strip or a silly song. Maybe it’s a memory of a funny incident or a shared experience. Maybe it’s a playful gesture or a gentle tease. Whatever it is, try to incorporate it into your daily routine.
– Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Sometimes, you have to laugh at yourself and your own mistakes. For example, if you forget where you put your keys or spill your coffee, don’t get angry or frustrated. Just laugh it off and move on. Your loved one will appreciate your positive attitude and may join you in laughing.
– Look for the absurdity in everyday situations.
Dementia can cause some bizarre behaviors and situations that may seem frustrating or upsetting at first. But if you look at them from a different perspective, they may also be funny. For example, if your loved one insists on wearing mismatched clothes or putting on lipstick as eyeshadow, don’t argue or correct them. Just smile and compliment them on their unique style.
– Be creative and playful.
Sometimes, you have to improvise and go along with your loved one’s reality. For example, if they think they are in a different place or time, don’t try to convince them otherwise. Just join them in their fantasy and have fun with it. You may discover some interesting stories or insights along the way.
– Share your humor with others.
Caregiving can be isolating and lonely. But you don’t have to do it alone. Find other people who understand what you are going through and can laugh with you. Join a support group, talk to a friend or family member, or find an online community of caregivers who use humor as a coping tool.
Humor is not a cure for dementia, but it can make the journey more bearable and enjoyable for both you and your loved one. So don’t be afraid to laugh when you can. It’s good for your health and happiness.
I learned something after my initial attempt. AI generates content based on the quality my inquiry. While this is an opportunity for artificial intelligence to learn, organic intelligence, that is us humans are learning, too. For example, I wanted a funny story to make you laugh.
I also came to the realization that with TheCaregiversVoice.com long history online (since 1998) that requests for topics relating to caregiving for people with dementia may draw content from The Caregiver’s Voice. I may read answers drawn from articles we’ve published years earlier.
I inquired a second time with a slightly different request (see below). Again, I set two parameters: funny and short. This time, I got what I was looking for. See? we’re both learning. AI and human or organic intelligence.
A Funny Caregiving Story Caring for People with Dementia
One day, I was helping Mrs. Jones, a lovely lady with dementia, to get dressed. She was very fond of her purple sweater and always wanted to wear it. I handed her the sweater and she put it on. Then she looked at me and said, “This is not my sweater. This is my husband’s sweater. He loves purple.” I was confused because I knew she didn’t have a husband. I asked her, “Mrs. Jones, who is your husband?” She pointed at the mirror and said, “That handsome man over there. He always wears purple.” I realized she was pointing at herself in the mirror. She thought she was her own husband. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I did both.
Yes, caregiving is all about drying our tears with laughter, which is also the subtitle of our second volume of funny stories about caregiving for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. For more humor visit Avadian’s page on Amazon.com for two titles: Finding the JOY in Alzheimer’s.
Is this AI-GPT version above funnier than, for example, last month’s story? Childhood Bully Returns during the Estate Sale? You decide.
