Follow
Share

I got mom from India a week ago. I thought she could spend summer here since I don't work in summer.


Mom wanders into my kids' and inlaws rooms thinking it is her bedroom.


She also ask me 3 times a day which is her room. So how do I get her to remember her room?


She also wants me to sleep next to her - I have done so far a week and want to go back to my bedroom. Any tips on how to do this?


Thank you so much!

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
I don’t think you can train someone with dementia. I know this isn’t what you want to hear but she’s only going to get worse and she’s not going to read signs on the door.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

For the room, how about trying a motion-sensor light on the side of her room? Then her room is the one where the light comes on when she tries to go in.

For sleeping, do you know why this is happening? Is she used to sleeping with someone else? Does she get cold in the night? Is she used to a much narrower bed? Or does she feel lost if she wakes alone in the night? If she feels lost, a touch light or another motion sensor light next to the bed might help. If she is used to sleeping with someone else or a narrower bed, you could try a rolled-up doona quilt in the bed next to her. Or perhaps a single bed electric blanket on low, down one side of the strip where she sleeps. Even a doll! But stop as soon as you can – you don’t want it to be a habit.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Thank you all. I put a big sign with her name on it on her bedroom door.
The night attendant (herself afraid of the dark) in India used to sleep in a bed next to mom and I guess mom got used to this. I will try the quilt idea.

Thanks again dear friends:-))
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Sorry, but I am really surprised, after last year, you brought her back to the states. She is probably worse, Dementia wise. Really, you can't keep changing routine with people in Moms condition.

Wish there was a solution to your problem. Like her being able to stay here and get some of the benefits but that won't happen. See I thought her going back home was because she wanted to be near ur brother and his kids. Then u tell us brother wants nothing to do with her. I feel so bad for u. I hope u realize that these visits may have to stop one day.

All I can say is ur a good daughter. Just wish there was a good solution for you.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Hang a distinctive decoration or her name and picture on her door.
I imagine she is feeling lost and insecure, tell her you'll only lie down until she falls asleep. She might feel more reassured if you get a baby monitor and show her that you are able to hear her if she wakes up.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Wren, if it has been only a week, it could be that your Mom is still dealing with jet lag, and time change. In older folks, it can take a bit longer to shake it off.

I agree with cwillie's answer about putting something on the bedroom room door, especially if there are a lot of bedrooms, thus a lot of doors.

Has your Mom indicated why she doesn't want to left alone in her room? How does Mom get along with the inlaw's? Sounds like some insecurity.

Oh, what about night lights? Maybe when your Mom wakes up, she is confused about where she is. It can happen to anyone who is traveling. A night light might help. I have several in my own bedroom mainly because I lose my sense of balance in a totally dark room.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter