Quick question about taking dementia patients to funerals, especially when behavior is erratic. Trying to convince the family that it is in her best interest not to be told, let her think the person is still alive but unable to visit. What are you thoughts? I am a new reader. Thank you.

4

Have more questions and don't know where to turn?


Join our community and get access to monthly support calls, an online chat forum for questions, and even monthly 1:1 calls with Rachael! CLICK HERE for more information.

Welcome! I agree with you. One of my residents lost her husband recently, but she’s far too deep into dementia to be able to understand or come to terms with that information. Telling her or taking her to the funeral would have been confusing (and, probably, just cruel). While all people with dementia are different, and while I’m sure the family wants to “tell her the truth,” it’s just going to cause her grief. She’ll soon forget the information, but she’ll still be upset. I wouldn’t tell her and I also wouldn’t bring her to the funeral.

Liked it? Take a second to support Rachael Wonderlin on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rachael Wonderlin is an internationally-recognized dementia care expert and consultant. She has a Master’s in Gerontology and is the author of three published books with Johns Hopkins University Press. Rachael owns Dementia By Day, a dementia care consulting and education company.

16 things poster
Get the FREE “16 Things” poster!

You're not alone!

Get personal support from Rachael and connect with other Caregivers when you join our community.

16 Things I Would Want If I Got Dementia

Get the FREE “16 Things” poster for your personal use—or better yet—your dementia care community’s staff break room!

I wrote this poem years ago, but to date, it’s the most popular piece I’ve ever created.

16 things poster
Shopping Cart