Answered a question 10/7/2009 at 12:08 am
it's quite common for a person with Alzheimer's to say that they want to go home,and this may take place in residential care, or when the person is already at home, and when they refer to "home", it's
...Read Moreit's quite common for a person with Alzheimer's to say that they want to go home,and this may take place in residential care, or when the person is already at home, and when they refer to "home", it's usually an expression of an emotion, it's really their whey of saying they want to find a better place in time, in their mind.Maybe the home she wants to go is likely the one where she grew up, or may be she refers to her current home..., she wants to be somewhere she recognizes, she feels comfortable, and it's impossible to explain her that she can never "go home" again. And when she tells you that she want to go home, you may say to her something like: "Sure, Mom, I'll take you home as soon as the carpets are cleaned",or whatever you think might pacify her, and try to distract her with something else. It may work for awhile.
It also can be a sign of anxiety, insecurity, fear or depression. Maybe also talk to her doctor.
Try to understand and acknowledge her feelings and reassure her that she is safe and loved. She can no longer live in your reality, you have to enter hers from time to time.