Teaching mom about dementia

mpang123

My mom has been primary caretaker for my dad with vascular dementia. I had to teach her how to talk to dad. She tends to want to explain things to him as if he can comprehend everything she says. My dad can't be convinced logically and my mom needs to practice different ways to communicate without upsetting him. There have been numerous examples on how to do this as I learned from this forum. My mom has beginning stage of Alzheimer's dementia but I was reluctant to tell her what her neurologist observed. She took it well when I told her today. With dad in hospice care, I hope mom will get some relief and tend to her own issues with me watching out for her.

Anonymousjpl123

I think hospice will be a great help to both of you. I am glad you told her - my neurologist said the “A” word openly in front of my mom, but I don’t think she really understood and she said it in such a kind way I don’t think it upset her too much.

Your mom caregiving your dad while facing this must be exhausted. It’s so so so good that you learned some of these communication tips. They have helped me so much. Redirecting was a revelation to me. I hope hospice will give both of you a bit of relief. You are doing a phenomenal job in a really tough situation.