Copy of post accidentally placed in the FTD group - please comment for new member

Jeanne C.

Parpartlinda She/her/hers / Ella Member Posts: 2 Member

11:58AM

My sister who lives in another state than I do has dementia. I don't seem to be able to get information from her family as to the type she has or what medication she may be on. I know she is getting worse and I am getting more phone calls from her. I don't quite know how to handle our conversations besides distracting her and getting her on another subject. I found out that her husband, who is her only caregiver at this time, tells her to call me when he can't take the questions and constant chatter she does. But that leaves me not knowing how to really help her either since she will not let me talk to him. There are times she no longer knows who her husband is and also hallucinates. I feel awful that I can't go to her since I have my own medical issues. She is 75 and I am 74. I want to help her but how?

Jeanne C.

@Parpartlinda

I'm sorry you and your sister are going through this. Is it possible to call your brother in law or another family member who is closer? Without the caregiver's input, it's hard to say what you can do.

As for talking to your sister, that probably is one way you can help. People with dementia and their caregivers often feel (and are) isolated. Just having someone to talk to can help her even when the conversation doesn't necessarily make sense to you. Give her assurance and kindness. She may not understand all the words but she will feel the emotion. An "I understand" in a kind voice can go a long way.

Jeanne C.

Ttt

jfkoc

Would you please tell us about the FTD group.

Jeanne C.

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/202151#Comment_202151

It's just a group where we talk about caregiving issues that come with FTD. You're most welcome to join in. I included the link in my response to your other post. Or you can get to it by clicking on groups in the page navigation (top left or right of this page depending on your device) and then scrolling down to the FTD group.