I chose the "streetcar" in my title as the perfect vehicle to represent this topic. Your loved one with dementia may be on track, but slowly headed for a destination away from reality, called "delusion". If they are currently on the "streetcar" they will need assistance getting back off. Reasoning with them about their delusions will be totally ineffective, but medical intervention can get their feet back on the ground. Once having traveled on the "streetcar", they are likely to ride again. That's been my mother's experience. It's been a difficult problem to casually observe and an even worse problem for the person living it. It can be a real challenge for caregivers and senior living community management. Safety is foremost on everyone's mind.
Loved your reference, Joseph!
I rode the streetcar with my dad a lot, but also tried to get him off a number of times. As you say, it's different every time. What works today may not work tomorrow. Being tuned into our loved one the best we can is a help, but we have to go by our gut a great deal. You are obviously a wonderful caregiver.
Carol
Thanks again, Carol! I'm sure that my stories are familiar to many. I wish that my caregiver skills were on par with my writing abilities. I'm fortunate now to have professional help, after going it alone for a while. I have a lot of empathy when it comes to caregivers. Until you've done it, you really can't fully appreciate it.