It was quite strange as my friend is an extrovert and will chat to anyone about anything but faced with my Mum she was very quiet. I think it just goes to show how some people have special skills that are frequently undervalued.
Dementia is a hard to approach if you don’t have any previous experience. It’s a fine balance of suitable distractions along with the skills of a children’s entertainer I have found in my experience.
The permanent happy persona I find works leaves me drained.
I’m afraid it can be a lonely path visiting but I used to take my dog in with me as a distraction technique & keep visits short if responses weren’t positive. Also visiting in the communal lounge when activities were on meant I got to spend time participating in Care home life.
looking back now I know I tried my best to be part of the care homes daily life & that was the best I could do.
yes it’s awful the realisation that visiting & other social interaction is yours & yours alone.
Looking back now before dementia how often did I previously visit Mum & Dad & vice versa? Hindsight is a wonderful thing, & the logic thought it has brought has been of comfort.
You are doing an amazing thing, that only few of your friends have experience of
Sending you a ((((((((((((reallybighug))))))))))))