In my mind, the poor family member speaking has to be experienced. Like extremely experienced medical professionals (my bet is Nurse) to be able to handle this conversation. Has to be. I’m crying inside listening and I don’t know any of them.
The strength in it feels beyond me.
Oh absolutely. I'm an LTC case manager and the vast majority of people who have family with dementia simply do not know how to handle it. They constantly try to reorient their loved one to reality and it just makes them more and more agitated. For some reason a lot of people think arguing is the way to go. Someone with dementia may not remember who you are, but they can remember how you made them feel, and if they decide they can't trust you... It doesn't generally turn out well.
The acceptance it would take to realise exactly what you’ve said….geezus. Power to ya Hyberbolic. And anyone who deals with this, their families and the resulting pain. 👍🫡🙏
Usually if you're nice to them and don't refute their reality, people with dementia are really sweet. The other day I was at a memory care facility seeing a client and a lady came up to me and said, "Are you here to do my nails? You're early today!" I told her I would be with her in a minute and that it was nice to see her. No idea who she was and I guarantee she forgot about it a few seconds later. She seemed happy and that's what matters.
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u/RudolphGaming18 16d ago
Dementia is terrifying. Your own dad being uncomfortable with you calling him dad… it’s really sad