Mom (84) is fully bed bound, she is not able to even get out of bed or stand on her own.
She has some dementia but only forgets the "current.". She has not walked in over 2 years. Her memory that she can not walk is by far the most frustrating memory loss. MANY times a day she tells me to help her get up and walk to the bathroom. Every single time she asks, I have to give her the horrible news that she can't walk. I feel like I'm stabbing her in the heart every single time because it's such a blow to her, it breaks her heart.
We have tried every possible way of trying to get her to remember and nothing works. **Does anyone have any ideas on how to get this one thing to stick to her memory so we don't have to keep telling her the bad news all day everyday?**
If you are comfortable distracting her when she asks, tell her “Not now, mom” or “Maybe after lunch” or some other general neutral statement.
She is probably not nearly as frustrated or saddened by forgetting that she can’t walk than you are by having to tell her every time she asks.
Hopefully, this will be a little less devastating that " you can never walk again".
You probably cannot get this 'new' thing to stick in her brain. So maybe new ways to tell her or a sign near her bed - Doctor said do not get out of bed. -or- Push this button/ring bell if you need to go to the bathroom to ensure she asks before trying to get up on her own. -or- We have to get your legs stronger before you can walk around. Let's do some exercises. Little leg lifts or arm lifts probably won't hurt her and will occupy the mind a little.
Ask the dr why!!!
But, he still thinks he can stand up or at least sit on the side of the bed. I just ask him to wait while I get the lift. I tell him I’ll lift him up, and he can sit in the chair, no problem.