Living away

[Gumtastic32]

My mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. I live at a distance and wondered how I can move forward with phone calls . What should the opening line be? ‘How are you’ seems to much of an open question.

Thank you.

 

[canary]

Hello @Gumtastic32

I wouldnt worry too much about opening gambits. If that is how you would normally start, then carry on. I used to ask How is everything? It never upset her.

Do continue phoning as long as you can. Be aware, though, that as time goes on the conversation will start getting bizarre, although she will think that what she is saying is absolutely true. There will come a time when she will no longer be able to use the phone, so I would recommend that you dont just phone, but go and visit too.