Hi Dawn, Your confusion is normal, so please don't feel guilty. People's life span with Alzheimer's differs. Much depends on their age and health before diagnosis. But it does sound as though your mom is in later stages. The home she wants to go to is likely the one where she grew up, so she doesn't "get" that she is home.   Most people weather this by distraction, though it will not go away, and so you'll have to resign yourself to compassion and just keep trying to make her feel better. If you can make it work, maybe saying, "We'll get you back home soon, Mom. First, we need to go (say your kitchen or another room if she is in a nursing home)." Then try to distract her with something else. It may work for awhile.   My own feeling is that people often want to join their parents, spouse or siblings who have died. It's thought that the childhood home is what they want, and that is likely true. However, I've seen instances where people almost seem to be drawn out of their bodies, searching for their loved ones who have passed away. We don't have true understanding about what is going on in their minds, and that would never be the same for every person anyway.   All I can tell you is to realize you are doing your best and that it's likely no one could do better. Your mom, in her mind, isn't home. So, saying you will get her home as soon as possible and then distracting her may be your best hope.   You are not alone in this. Remember that, please. You are doing a wonderful job and your compassion shows in your question.   Take care and please keep checking in. Maybe others will have some ideas. Carol