Dementia Care in Fort Gratiot Township

When They Ask To Go Home

"I want to go home now." If you're supporting a loved one with dementia, there may come a time when they say this. For family caregivers providing dementia care, it can be difficult to understand why this is happening or how to respond. That's where Visiting Angels^® St. Clair can help out. We assist seniors with dementia throughout Fort Gratiot Township—and we support family caregivers, too. 

Here's a little more information on why your family member is asking to return home. 

What You Should Know When Your Loved One Asks To Return Home

If your loved one asks to go home, it's easy to feel hurt or frustrated. But it might help to know your loved one isn't trying to hurt you. Here's more from our dementia care team in Fort Gratiot Township: 

• Why are they asking to go home? You might immediately chalk this question up to mental confusion, especially if your loved one is at home when they ask. While mental confusion may be a factor, it's often more complicated. Seniors with dementia may say this to express their surroundings feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. When they ask to go home, they're sometimes just asking to return to a place of comfort. 
• What's causing this to happen? The answer depends on the person, and it's worth documenting when it happens to see if you can identify any commonalities. It may be they're sun-downing—a state of mental confusion which occurs later in the day. It might be they're time-shifting—and they believe they're at another point in their life. Maybe they're hungry, in pain, or just anxious. You may be able to identify these factors over time. 
• How should you respond? First and foremost, it's important to project reassurance. You never want to argue or explain, since this might agitate your loved one further. You don't want to ignore the request either. You might want to tell them you can take them home in a little while, then distract them with a task which will help to relax or comfort them. You may want to ask about their home, and steer the conversation elsewhere over time.

Schedule Dementia Care in Fort Gratiot Township  

For family caregivers, dementia care can be a complex and ever-changing responsibility. Our caregivers can help to alleviate the tasks and challenges involved, with dedicated support in: 

• Fort Gratiot Township
• Port Huron
• St. Clair County
• Marysville
• And throughout the surrounding area

Learn more about our dementia care services in Fort Gratiot Township. Just get in touch with Visiting Angels St. Clair today.