I saw a short article of yours in the Alzheimers Reading Room entitled "Don't Tell Mom She Has Dementia". I understand the fact that trying to orient an ill family member to "reality" isn't a good idea, but how exactly would you handle those situations instead of upsetting them with the truth?

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.

Good question. It depends very much on the individual. What are you trying to tell that person? That he or she has dementia? That someone they love has died? You can avoid even saying anything most of the time. If you’re concerned because a person with dementia is ASKING about a deceased loved one, find out where he or she thinks their loved one is. Go with that story. “I think he’s still at work today,” you could suggest.

If someone with dementia isn’t asking, though, there’s no reason to even bring these items up.

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Your email address will not be published.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