I'd like ideas for activities/tasks/distractions for my demented grandmother. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 17, 2009 - 10 answers

Does anyone have any experience engaging and / or working with a geriatric care manager for an elderly relative or friend? My sister and I need some help (and a little moral support) with respect to dealing with our mother, who has mild dementia (and lives in Nassau County, New York). Any suggestions with respect to finding, evaluating and / or working with one would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks to the hive!
posted by SuzB on Sep 24, 2009 - 5 answers

Facebook has an application dedicated to Top Five lists called Living Social. I find it distressing that, when attempting to list five things – books, for example – according to how highly I rate them, I can’t seem to do it. Quotes, a particular love of mine, are also problematic. As are memories, foods and anything else you might feel compelled to ask me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 21, 2009 - 18 answers

My mother has become increasingly paranoid recently. How can I help her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 15, 2009 - 8 answers

How to talk and 'entertain' my mother (with Alzheimers) when she no longer recognizes me? [more inside]
posted by dbmcd on Apr 12, 2009 - 16 answers

Our clients are getting older. I need a form for them to fill out that tells me who to talk to if I get concerned about their competence to handle their own finances. [more inside]
posted by small_ruminant on Apr 6, 2009 - 11 answers

So, my dad has dementia. Where do I go from here? [more inside]
posted by beccaj on Jan 28, 2009 - 14 answers

Two questions, really: specifically, how can I get my aunt with vascular dementia to recognize that she needs help and can no longer live alone? And generally, I'm looking for blogs and support forums on dealing with people with dementia. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry on Dec 2, 2008 - 9 answers

I've checked earlier posts about senile dementia, but have not found this specific request: recommendations of books or websites on the topic. [more inside]
posted by zadcat on Nov 1, 2008 - 8 answers

I need your book suggestions for managing volunteers or communicating with people. There's plenty out there, but I can't seem to find anything regarding my specific problem: I have really old volunteers, and few younger ones with cognitive problems. [more inside]
posted by cobaltnine on Jun 6, 2007 - 5 answers

Mental decline, perception and creativity. Layperson looking to understand the medical changes that happen during aging-related mental decline, mental illness and dementia -- and looking for any research or just speculation re. various ways "reduced function" might translate into "different/new function" or "different modes of perception." [more inside]
posted by allterrainbrain on Apr 27, 2007 - 10 answers

Alzheimer's/Dementia Filter: Anyone have experience with an elderly relative who takes risperidone (risperdal) for agitation and anxiety during the night? My dad (with Alzheimer's) was put on half a milligram per day, starting tonight. Just wondering if you have anecdotal success or failure stories. I know it's used for other mental illnesses, but want to know specifically about the night-time agitation relief with dementia.
posted by nancoix on Mar 31, 2007 - 4 answers

My office manager/grandfather verbally and physically attacked me recently. Can my boss/father expect me to work in the same office with gramps? We have a sales meeting next week we both are to attend but I am refusing to go if gramps attends as well. Do I have the right to refuse to go to this important meeting or be around my grandfather in the office? [more inside]
posted by 4Lnqvv on Mar 19, 2007 - 33 answers

Advice on dealing with a relative with dementia? [more inside]
posted by justonegirl on Sep 28, 2005 - 20 answers

Dealing with dementia (especially Old Timers)
More, erm... thing. Oh, you know... Aren't those flowers a pretty colour? [more inside]
posted by twine42 on Sep 2, 2004 - 11 answers

My grandmother is nearing 90 years old and experiencing increasing effects of dementia. She's been forgetful for a while, but only lately has she started mistaking individuals for others - typically, she thinks I'm a niece of hers, instead of her granddaughter. As her confusion increases, so does my discomfort. I want to spend as much time with her as I can while she's still here, but when entire conversations are filled with misinformation and paranoia (she can't remember where she "hides" money and important objects, so she thinks people steal from her), it's difficult to witness. Any suggestions on how I can get over myself?
posted by ferociouskitty on Jun 6, 2004 - 9 answers