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That was perhaps the hardest conversation that I had with my mom. When Mom asked me why she was locked up at the nursing home, I took her hand and said that she was having memory problems and I was worried about what would happen if she was living with me or by herself. Mom replied that her memory was fine. I asked her if she knew that I visited her daily and what our routine was during those visits. She looked puzzled and said, "You do?" I said yes, and asked her if she wanted me to get a nurse to confirm what I was telling her. She shook her head no, adding, "My memory is worse than I thought it was." (And I had to repeat this conversation several days in a row.)   I also often told Mom (when she asked when she could get out) that the doctor would be the person who would make the decision about whether she could leave the unit. She didn't like that answer (and often wanted me to get him on the phone immediately). I'd disappear for a few minutes down the hall where she couldn't see me and then return to tell her that I had called the doctor's office but he wasn't available. I promised that I would try again later. And yes, I told a white lie, but my rationale was that this approach would calm Mom down and help our time together be more pleasant.   So my suggestion is coming up with a reason (whether it's memory loss or the doctor's orders), and then turn the conversation to something else. (She'll soon forget that she asked if she's talking about something else that interests her.) Stay patient and stay focused.   Take care!   Dorian