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90 Year Old Mom with Dementia

lswearingen
lswearingen Member Posts: 1 Member
Hello, I am new here and this is my first time joining any group. My mother is in a nursing home and was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 2 years ago (which seems to be in remission) and has Dementia as well. She is really struggling with the fact that she is losing her memory. She constantly thinks her room drives to her childhood house. Has anyone experienced this and how do you deal with your parent going through this? I try to not tell her she is incorrect and just "go with it" and change the subject. Is this the right thing to do? I also try to empathize when she tells me she's scared losing her mind. Any input would be appreciated :-) Thank you!!

Comments

  • dancsfo
    dancsfo Member Posts: 303
    100 Comments 25 Care Reactions 25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes
    Member
  • SusanB-dil
    SusanB-dil Member Posts: 1,280
    1000 Comments 100 Care Reactions Third Anniversary 100 Likes
    Member

    Hi lswearingen - Welcome to 'here', but sorry for the reason.

    My mom also realizes what is happening and is placed in memory care. All we can do is 'go with the flow'. Distract and re-direct when we can. Yes, change the subject. If she wants to 'go', we tell her maybe later, or the house has a water-leak and needs to be repaired first, sometimes depends on mood. You can also reassure with a hug and tell her that you'll always be there with love and support.

  • irene912
    irene912 Member Posts: 84
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    Member

    My mom too is struggling with losing her memory. I know I don't always handle it right. I know it's good to redirect, change the subject.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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