She's missing her grandparents

MrsAnnabelLee

Lately, mom has been stuck in a loop of missing her family. For a while it was her parents and now it has changed to her grandparents. I sat with her this afternoon and she kept bringing up her grandparents, saying things like "I wish I could go back" or "it isn't the same" and getting teary. I'd talk with her about it for a second then try to bring up another topic, and she'd circle right back. I told her maybe her grandparents have been on her mind lately because they're close to her and watching over her. She seemed to like that. I'm curious if others have experienced something similar with their loved ones.

Family is forever

MrsAnnabelLee, I was relieved to see your post (I know that sounds crazy) but my mother has been experiencing the same thing. She has been missing her mother and father, and her favorite aunt. It is absolutely breaking my heart when she starts to cry and say how much she misses them and "she feels so alone". 

The hardest part is that my father and I are her primary caretakers and we believe she has Capgras syndrome because she does not recognize us. She believes there are two of us and her "real" husband and daughter have abandoned her. All I want to do is tell her how much we love her and that her family is with her but I know it will scare her when I tell her that we are her husband and daughter (speaking from experience). 

This disease is so, so cruel! I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. 

TrustinginGod

My mother (less so now as her dementia has advanced) but in the mid-stages of it she would ask me where her mom was or where her dad was. At first I was like a deer in the headlights and would not know what to say and I would  change the subject as best I could. 

One day I just happily said “oh she went to the grocery store and will be right back” that was a good enough answer for her - after that it was always the same answer and it worked. Not sure if it was my tone or what. She’s never remembered that they died many years ago.

Does your mom know they have passed?

Diana

sunnydove

My mom used to ask about her family all the time, especially her parents. It was clear she was missing them so I framed a ton of old pics and put them in every room. She loves looking at them and I think it helps. She only asks about her dad anymore and then only when we are outside the house. It truly is heartbreaking.