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My 93-year-old mother was an artist in her time. She has this idea that she took a portfolio of work in a cab to a friend's house. This is not true. She can't stop obsessing about it, and I don't know what to say.


Thanks


Anne

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I give my step-mother paper, coloring pencils and adult coloring books, that satisfies her.

Perhaps you can introduce that as a positive, something that you will cherish after she is gone, heading her in that direction as a special request.
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Start a new portfolio?

Is she able/interested/willing to use any kind of materials to do new work? She may be craving her prior artistic experiences, without being able to verbalize her feelings precisely.

After she recovered from her second COVID attack, we discovered that my LO was enjoying adult coloring books, and for a while she was peaceful with them using large crayons.

ANY materials that she might be able to use would be worth a try.

Maybe start by asking her what she’d like to use to replace the “missing” portfolio?

ALSO- if you happen to be near a college with a good sized fine arts program, look into geriatric art therapy. You may be able to hire a compassionate student who would enjoy working with her.
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It sounds like a loop in her mind that she keeps returning to. Perhaps at one time it was a fear of hers that she would lose her portfolio and all her work. Or it may have happened to someone else or she may have seen it in a movie or read it in a book. Regardless, it is real to her.
Just tell her you will call when the cab company is open and then change the subject. Or you can say the dispatcher has to wait for all the drivers to get back in and then they will call you. Just say whatever calms her and then change the subject.
Do not try to convince her that she is wrong, just assure her you are on the job but for now let’s watch the favorite show or have lunch or whatever you can distract her with. You must not let it upset you. After awhile she will forget about the portfolio and come up with something else.
You can say the same thing each time as she will not remember.
I’m sorry she has dementia and is confused. Try watching Teepa Snow videos on YouTube to see if you pick up some ideas on how to help your mom.

About the toilet, I purchased my DH aunt one of the toilets that claim to be able to flush a bucket of golf balls. It solved the problem for her. Too much TP is another one of those common issues your mom will hopefully get through after awhile.
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Tell her that you will see what you can do to find it.

What have you said to her so far?
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