My mom has dementia and she will call me off and on while she's in a state of confusion. Mostly stating she's in a different place. I'm at a crossroads, because if I take the call and try to explain she's mad. If I don't take the call, she continues to call and leave lengthy messages. I feel like I'm damned if I do and damend if I don't. I mostly just let her leave a message, and I don't call back unless I fell there's a problem. Then I'll call the ALF and let them know. I feel guilty when I don't, but it seems so pointless.
Notwellmyself....I can relate to the messages your co-worker was receiving. I've had some very ugly ones myself. Of course I know it's not really her, but it still upsets me.
She does watch TV most of the day. They have activities at the ALF, but she's not interested in joining in. She seems to get something on her mind, blows it all out of perportion, and obsesses over it all day long.
I'm glad to hear maybe I'm doing all I can do. I used to take the calls, but they never ended well, so I decided in order to keep my sanity (what's left) maybe I shouldn't talk to her during those times.
Thanks for your responses.
Good Luck.
Do you call her at regular times? If you call her everyday at 10 am and 4 pm and keep the call short and upbeat that MIGHT reduce the number of calls and perhaps reduce your guilt feelings.
Good luck!