It can be so lonely, can't it, especially weekends when you know people are busy?
Most friends evaporate for some reason or another, but I don't think its always because they don't care. More likely, as others have said, they truly do not understand Dementia, and one thing that must be done is to increase awareness...hopefully some recent films will go part way to spread awareness...and I think there need to be more....If we can stand shocking behaviour, violence, bad language and unchecked bad temper in some films, why not something NO HOLDS BARRED about Dementia.?
My kindest and most understanding friend is someone whose husband is further ahead on the Dementia pathway. She's been through hell, and yet she holds out an encouraging hand to me! My other best supporter is my sister in law who has worked in Social care, and nothing surprises or shocks her; she's seen it all!
Others think they understand, but can't even imagine why I can't talk frankly on the phone....because my husband is standing beside me and any hint of a complaint in my conversation would result in him getting very angry afterwards! Some people think they're being helpful suggesting that we meet for a coffee....but recently my husband has been getting confused and upset if I go out, even for an hour.
In our village there is a weekly open invitation for Carers and anyone disabled in any way, to get together for coffee and cake. My husband has resisted going so far, because he doesn't see himself as having Dementia, but if you could find anything like that, I think that's where you might meet people who would understand, because some may have lived with dementia themselves.
I hope you find some understanding friends soon. They are out there.
