Reply to an Answer

Telling her "no" at this stage doesn't work. If you can say something like "you'll be seeing him soon." "Remember he loves you." and other things it may help. This is very difficult because in her mind she is married to your dad and she has little children. That is her reality. Changing the subject is good, but it doesn't last. However, that and letting her know that he loves her and she'll soon see her may help.   Did he travel? You may have to go so far as to invent a story "He's seeing grandma now, since she's been sick, but he'll be home soon." You have to go with your gut and the understanding of where she is mentally.   The move to the nursing home was necessary, but any change in environment is difficult and can temporarily or permanently send someone with dementia further down the road. She would have gotten there anyway. It's just that the change hastened it.   Go with your gut and kindness, and then just be as patient as you can. Let her vent, try to reassure her, and change the subject if you can. Then expect it all to happen again. That is the nature of the disease.   Blessings, Carol