Try to live in her life, if you can. Little white lies do make them feel comfortable. As was said prior, he is at work, shopping, etc. Then change subject til next time.
Kathw1, I see from your profile that your Mom had Alzheimer's/dementia. Usually when someone says "they want to go home" or that she feels she is not at home, it means they want to be at their childhood home.
My Mom went through that stage, and I found "therapeutic fibs" did help. Like when my Mom [98] want to visit her parents, I would say "they are visiting the old country" and she was happy with that excuse.
As for your Mom looking for your Dad, I have heard that can be common. It is best to just fib saying that Dad is at work or at a friends house, or whatever you feel your Mom would believe.
My Mom went through that stage, and I found "therapeutic fibs" did help. Like when my Mom [98] want to visit her parents, I would say "they are visiting the old country" and she was happy with that excuse.
As for your Mom looking for your Dad, I have heard that can be common. It is best to just fib saying that Dad is at work or at a friends house, or whatever you feel your Mom would believe.