Follow
Share

They both have dementia.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
You mention your mother is in AL, but is this for ADLs or for memory care? Does she have full faculty of mind?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
lealonnie1 Apr 2022
She said 'they both have dementia'! So no, they do not have full faculty of mind.
(0)
Report
You do nothing. They legally cannot marry because they are not competent to make informed decisions. My daughter told me there was a couple in her facility who thought they were married. Both had living spouses that visited. You just have to enter their world.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

I think you handle this as many als do. Elders often date and even have sexual interaction, and if they’re consenting in the moment and in their room, it’s not considered an issue. Marriage however is a legal contact that it’s unrealistic to hold dementia patients to.

Instead of a legal wedding, I would propose one of those “promise ring” ceremonies. Make it very weddinglike. It may just be enough.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Sounds like magical thinking, and not something you need to spend a whole lot of time working on. Worry when the facility reaches out to you with it being a problem. You do not tell us much about Mom, her diagnosis, her prognosis, how long in care, and etc. That might help us answer. Do know that this is not at ALL uncommon and that often couples think that they are, in fact, married, and that their visiting spouses are virtually strangers who are kind enough to pop in once in a while.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter