Is anybody a caregiver to a loved one with religious obsession?

My dad thought he was committing mortal sins. I would take him to mass and confession every week. He wasn't able to commit any sins because he had dementia. Going to confession and mass always calmed him. The priests were wonderful. One day during confession, the priest told my dad to give me a kiss for his penance which was wonderful for me. I always took my dad to mass and confession until he had a stroke and ended up in hospice at home.

I’m not Catholic but we all have a need to confess sin. Maybe he needs to do this and have reassurance. Can a priest speak with him? Can he follow up by writing him a letter about their conversation so your dad can refer back to it and know it he confessed and his sin has been forgiven? God bless you as you care for your dad.

Nazdrovia: Perhaps your father could have a virtual visit with a priest. Prayers sent.

Having a priest come to the home to hear his confession and administer the anointing of the sick (use to be called last rights) could be helpful for him. If you feel comfortable with extra in home visits, many churches also have deacons that can come visit and talk with dad. Between all the negative news, the pandemic, and worldwide upheaval, dad may actually believe that judgement day is near. Tho hard to hear it again and again, he has a need to say it. Does he have a rosary? He may find comfort in saying it, just one more thing that was hammered in our heads when younger. He can also have holy communion brought to him. Best of luck, he's blessed to have you in his life.

dementia patients due tend to fixate on certain things.  remind him that yes we are all sinners and that in the end God will take care of us.  I am not catholic so I don't know all the ins/outs of that religion but I do believe that in the end God will be there to forgive us.  Maybe ask him things about in his past, what he did when younger, his jobs, etc.  it might work for a little bit, other than that you might just have to try to ignore him or walk into another room for a little bit.  I know its frustrating. wishing you luck.

Better that than violence and/or inappropriate sexual advances. Thank him for his concern, assure him you will pray upon his comments, suggest he say a rosary and that should occupy him for like 20 minutes or he'll drop off for a nap. My mom watches the EWTN religious network 24/7 and engages everyone in theological discussions about the shows. Much preferable to the elderly habits that sometimes crop up of throwing food and inappropriately grabbing at their caregivers.