My grandmas been in a nursing home for a couple years now.She didnt ever want to be in a nursing home and we promised her wed never put her into one.My grandpa died in 1998 and my Grandma slowly lost her mind after losing him.We had to put her into a home because she was walking around in a bad neighborhood at 3 am every night giving her money to strangers and knocking on peoples doors calling the police and pulling knives on people.We lied to her and told her she was in a hospital.She knows who she is but thinks shes still 25 years old.Im 27 and she has 16 other grandkids that she doesnt even know.My Grandma was like a mother to me but now she has no idea who I am.No clue.My question is how can I make her remember me?I went through this with my great grandma too but it wasnt the same because my grandma pretty much raised me and now she doesnt know me.What can I do to make her remember me again?
2007-10-25 14:29:20 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Alzheimer's is such a rotten disease! You have seen your grandmother go deeper into herself. This is the reality of Alzheimer's. We, the family left behind, still have the one gift that has been taken away from them. Memories! You no doubt will not be able to bring her back. What you can do, is keep your memories of her fresh in your mind.
MY heart goes out to you. Blessings, Chaplain Debby
2007-10-25 16:13:32 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Hon.. i'm so sorry to hear your Grandma has this illness. I'm sure it is difficult for you to watch.
One thing you can do for YOU is to do a yahoo search on Alzheimers. You can search for COPING WITH ALZHEIMERS, DEALING WITH ALZHEIMERS and i'm sure you will find a lot of information. You might also search for an alzheimer's chat to talk with others in real time about their experiences...
Your grandmother, bless her heart, is probably perfectly content believing she's 25. And the things she does, well, they are probably typical of an alzheimers patient. You can probably talk to the social worker or Director of Nursing at the nursing home for good help and information, too. These people have insight into the illness, and might have helpful answers and advice.
I don't know if your grandmother will ever recognize you again, but is she happy when you come to visit? If so, don't worry about her not "knowing" exactly who you are -- just let her be pleased for your company.
Take care of YOU in the meantime. And i wish you and your grandma all the best, that's for sure.
2007-10-25 14:58:53 · answer #2 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandmother has alzheimer's as well. I've noticed if I go long periods with out seeing her she has trouble remembering me but if I see her often she sometimes remembers who I am (I am 26 with 3 children so it is hard for me to go to her house often). My grandmother is fortunate to have an aid during the day and each one of her 6 children take a turn spending the night each night so that she doesn't have to be put in a nursing home. They keep her pretty stimulated. They ask her a lot of questions and if she asks "What is your name?" we usually say "You know who I am," until she figures it out. Try pulling out a picture album maybe some of her longterm memory can be jogged but it is hit and miss with this disease. It is very cruel. It steals the ones we love before they even leave this earth. I will keep you and your grandmother in my prayers.
2007-10-25 16:15:14 · answer #3 · answered by Theresa W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you're going through. My mother has Alzheimers as well. Though she's not in a home yet. I also understand your frustration. You can't make her remember things. Her memory is gone. What you CAN do however is sit back and listen to her stories. YOU need to step into HER reality. Even when she tell you the same thing over and over again, because she doesn't remember ever telling it. You will be glad you did.
This is a hard disease to watch a loved one go through. I wish you all the best. You will be in my thoughts.
2007-10-25 16:16:39 · answer #4 · answered by vixxxen8 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry sweetie, but there is nothing you can do.
My grandfather had alzheimers and I worked with alzheimers patients when I was working in the medical field.
you can't make her remember you or anyone else.
The best thing you can do for her right now, is remember how she used to be and make sure that the home she is in is taking good care of her.
she just need to be well cared for, in a safe environment, and loved by everyone who is around her.
Sorry love, I wish it could be differnt for you.
2007-10-25 16:12:56 · answer #5 · answered by gail s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cant. Its a disease that has no cure. Sorry dear but you should spend time with her and remember her as she was. The home is the best place for her to get the 24/7 care these patients need. Sit with her as often as you can
2007-10-25 14:56:13 · answer #6 · answered by cats mother 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All you can do is just be there, act like a friend and the great grandaughter you are. don't worry about the memory thing so much. when she talks about being 25 just listen and agree and work with where ever she is at the time. trying to make Alzhiemer patients remember you, and bring up events she can't recall, frustrates them and gets them upset. just live with her in her moments and enjoy them with her.
2007-10-25 14:47:35 · answer #7 · answered by just me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's something you can't do anything about honey. You could try photo albums and such, but people with her diease can remember one minute and not the next.
Just keep the good memoeries near your heart. That's all you can do.
2007-10-25 15:01:21 · answer #8 · answered by peggin_beast 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi
i pray to good for grand maa
i hope she might be ok
will u plz try to remember her past_i know u always try this but again )she also need a friend
so take care
2007-10-25 17:14:18 · answer #9 · answered by manni 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry honey, that's the problem
once it's gone there is no bringing it back.
don't feel bad that she is in a home. she doesn't know and she is taken care of.
remember how she was, not how she is!
2007-10-25 14:35:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋