I am the sole caretaker at this time of my 95 year old mama. I moved her into my home when I lost my husband 3 years ago (could no longer take care of 2 households). Her late onset dementia has really accelerated the past few months. Until she qualifies for Hospice in our state, I am trying my best to take care of her. My mama is a WWII German warbride that came to theU.S. in 1949 and got her citizenship. She spoke English when she met and married my dad. My dad could speak German but could not read or write it. My parents never taught us German except for a few words because they used it for their "private" conversations. My question is has anyone experienced their loved one reverting back to their natural "tongue" as the dementia/alzheimers progresses? She has started using words and sometimes phrases in German and I am struggling to get the meaning because when I ask her to say it in English she can't remember what she said. I have tried to use my Google to tranlate as best I can but that is difficult too.
I would advise making yourself a list of common words & a picture booklet too, for common things eg toilet, bath, tissue, drinks, food, pillow. Add a hug too 🤗😍
She at one time would try to teach me these phrases. A few years ago, I started recording her on my cell phone trying to teach me. This usually just ended in us laughing and having a good time over how hopeless it was to teach me.
As recently as Thanksgiving we had a few minutes of our “class’” that I recorded. Most days she doesn’t speak so it is a real treat to hear her today. If I were you I would record her and one day you may find someone to interpret and for sure you will enjoy listening to her.
I realize this doesn’t solve your problem but you could play it back for your mama and see if she could interpret. My aunt enjoyed listening to herself tell me the stories I recorded.