Hi, my Mum has mixed dementia and was only formally diagnosed a couple of months ago,although she has been suffering from dementia for several years. She is taking Reminyl as well as anti-depressants. For a long time she has been confused about where she is when she is in her home of 45 years. She often asks when she is going home and I understand this is a normal phase of this awful illness. My Dad usually tells her that they are stopping where they are for the night and sleeping in the bedroom upstairs. This seems to cause less distress than telling her that she is home, because she can't comprehend that. Recently she has begun to get distressed because she thinks she needs a ticket to sleep there. I think my Dad should just tell her they have a ticket and everything is ok, but he thinks this would be "patronising" (his word), so he tells her they don't need one and she gets very anxious and upset. Do you think it is patronising to go along with her belief in the need for a ticket? In my view anything that keeps her calm and happy is worthwhile, but my Dad finds it so difficult to do this. He sees it as lying to her. Can anyone advise us on how they have best coped with any similar situations please? We would value any advice.
Thank you.
Sue
Thank you.
Sue