Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
S
Sshort Asked February 2018

How can we help my grandmother remember where she is?

She is convinced she is stuck at her friend Linda's house and wants to go home. Linda took her to a recital and dropped her back off at her home two weeks ago. Since then she has been convinced she is living at Linda's house. She is actually at her own home with my aunt. She has had dementia for about five years.

GardenArtist Feb 2018
We've taken actions such as 97YearOldMom suggests. Sometimes that break in continuity of location can break the train of thought. Or perhaps take her for a ride (if you're not in a cold winter state), or someplace relaxing such as a restaurant. I can't offer this from experience, but I've often wondered if substituting a pleasant, positive experience can replace the illusionary issue of location.

Good luck! Please let us know if any of the ideas are successful.

polarbear Feb 2018
If it works, report back so we could all share the good news and have a laugh.

ADVERTISEMENT


smeshque Feb 2018
I second 97, you should give it a shot. Best wishes!

97yroldmom Feb 2018
I know that what the other posters have written is true but could you drive her over to Lindas house and then back home? It probably won’t help but wouldn’t it be great if it did?!

Catwoman911 Feb 2018
Same here, brought mom to live with me due to Alzheimers 6 years ago and she acts as if she has never even been in the house, always waiting for her people to take her home. I just tell her I am her people and that she is at home. She does t believe me. So distraction is best. Change the subject, etc...

gladimhere Feb 2018
You really can't. You will not be able to convince her as she is no longer able to reason. Learn the skill of distraction and redirection. Check out videos on YouTube by Teepa Snow.

My mom lived in her house for fifty years and often had no idea where she was.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter