How do I respond when my wife says, "All the other people here (in a nursing home) are sick. I'm not sick. 'why am I here?"

My mom thinks the Alz residents in her memory care are either drunks or crazy or otherwise troublemakers - a part of old age dementia is making of fun of others and she'll refer to certain staff as her friend with the plump face - cringe -

She too doesn't think she needs help despite being nearly 93 with numerous compression fractures

I try to appeal to the greater good and tell her not everyone is as fortunate as her and we need to help others where we can - it doesn't last long - sigh

My Mom didn't want to go to Senior Ctr with all those old people! She's 94!

It felt good to her to share a secret that she was "better" than the others there

I used to laugh and agree they were all a bunch of kooks , then did what eyerishlass said in a very short answer, then divert.

"No, you're not sick but the Dr. wants you to have physical therapy before you come home."

Or, "The Dr. says you have to get stronger before you come home."

Blame the Dr.

And after you've told her why she has to stay find another activity. Divert her attention away from why she can't come home. Have a snack, take a walk, watch a movie together, anything that will divert your wife's attention.