LightBridge

We have been told that my Dad has dementia. Recently he and my Mom have been placed in a nursing facility due to my mother needing physical therapy from a broken hip. Since then,this is the second week, he is very upset with me. Yesterday my siblings and spouses were visiting, and he was fine until my husband and myself walked in. He would not look at me or talk to me. How do I cope with this behavior, it is so hurtful.

Hi Joyce,
It sounds like you and your siblings made the best decision foryour parents given the tough circumstances. Remind yourself that his behavior is probably due to the dementia and try not to take it too personally. Depending on your father's stage of dementia, it may be hard to reason with him to convince him that this is the right choice. You might try asking him why he feels the way he does and then acknowledge his feelings whileyou also try to present your reasons for the decision. If he won't listen to you, maybe your siblings might be willing to try talking to him. I found the LightBridge article and tips on communication to be helpful, and they might help you or your siblings to talk to him. Your father probably also needs time to get over his anger, so you may have to wait and let him move on.
Good luck.