She has accused me of stealing from her, she wanders and attempts to drive. She spent 13 days in geriatric psych after she called the police accusing my 13 yo niece of stealing $5000 and jewelry (jewelry was on her dresser, money never existed). She is in a great memory care facility and is miserable and hateful and says she is suing me and will never forgive me. My sister thinks if we tell her she has Alz it would help mom cope better as to why she is in a facility. I think if would crush her hopes. What should we do? The psychiatrist who treated mom in geriatric psych is the one who recommended a lockdown memory facility. Thanks for your input!
Corinne
Keep in mind that she wasn't being rational when she accused her niece of stealing and she's not being rational when she's threatening to sue you. Sadly, this is the way her mind works now.
Your discriptions in your post describes my situation exactly, except it's my mom.
Everyday I still feel the hurt that mom has to be in NH. But for all the right reasons. It has gotten a little better. Thank you,
equinox
It's very hard on the caregiver and family mentally, but it's better for your loved one at the same time. She is safe, cared for, receives all the things that she requires and is loved by the staff. It may take her a while and her reactions are normal.
Trust me; it's hurting you worse than it's hurting her.
It will get better; it may just take some time on both of your parts.
Cyber hugs to you,
Suzanne
I agree with your siter. I would explain the diagnoss to Mother. I wouldn't repeat it over and over whe she forgets, and I would not insist on it if she rejects it. But it MIGHT help and I don't see how it could hurt. (My husband takes comfort in knowing that he has a disease that accounts for his strange behaviors. One size does not fit all on this issue, though!)
My heart goes out to you. This is a dreadful situation for all concerned.