She has been living in a facility for the last three months. She is quite pleasant and easy to get along with, so the staff treat her very well, and I feel go above and beyond to satisfy her requests. The problem is, that a number of the other residents have varying degrees of dementia, which Mom refers to as "crazy". I am so offended by her comments, and I have explained to Mom that they cannot help the way they are, and to have more compassion for them, but the rudeness continues. Mom is also showing signs of dementia, but she does not recognize that in herself, and feels she is "normal", especially compared to the other residents.
The other complaint she voices is about the menu. She is provided a healthy, well balanced diet, and has lost a considerable amount of weight, which was greatly needed. How do I fend off these conversation regarding her meals?
I am tired of having these same conversations. Does anyone have similar situations, and what advice can you provide?
"Well, you really look good eating the food they serve! I'm sorry you don't enjoy it, but there is nothing I can do about it. Let's talk about something else."
I love Jeanne's answer--just don't listen to it. In my Mother's case, I tried to emphasize that the "crazy people" need friendship and kindness. I also tried redirecting her attention to some other topic/interest. That usually worked.
He complained daily about the food. He really hated it. It was a good balanced diet, but it was really prepared poorly. He grew more and more angry and unhappy at the facility, almost entirely due to how bad he felt the food was.
So he decided to move to another facility nearby. The food is just great. My wife and I usually eat with him there most Sundays. As a result of the change in the food, he is much, much more happy and satisfied. It seems to have made a real difference to the quality of his life. The move turned out to be a really smart decision.
This article just came out, it might help.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/alzheimers-patients-share-their-experiences-153702.htm?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%20-%20October%2031,%202012
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