Caregivers Support Group
A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...
I know a lot of you are caregivers for people with dementia, so I thought you might be able to help me out.
My grandpa has started to make sexual comments towards me and it makes me feel awful. He's always been one of those older guys who likes to compliment cashiers or waitresses on their appearance, but it always seemed sort of endearing and innocent rather than creepy. But now his comments towards me are not said as compliments, they're said as things he wishes he could do, and it makes me feel disgusted. And I'm certain he still knows who I am, which makes it even worse. And last night he said it in front of my grandma.
Now, I have a pretty solid understanding of dementia. I'm a healthcare provider for seniors. I hear all kinds of things being said, and it's never bothered me before. But when it comes from my own grandpa...How should I handle it?
My grandpa has started to make sexual comments towards me and it makes me feel awful. He's always been one of those older guys who likes to compliment cashiers or waitresses on their appearance, but it always seemed sort of endearing and innocent rather than creepy. But now his comments towards me are not said as compliments, they're said as things he wishes he could do, and it makes me feel disgusted. And I'm certain he still knows who I am, which makes it even worse. And last night he said it in front of my grandma.
Now, I have a pretty solid understanding of dementia. I'm a healthcare provider for seniors. I hear all kinds of things being said, and it's never bothered me before. But when it comes from my own grandpa...How should I handle it?
It's a very uncomfortable feeling when your own family members suddenly starts making these types of comments directed at you.
You could gently remind him that he's making inappropriate comment but he may not remember. You could also change the subject whenever he comes out with something that's uncomfortable. I wouldn't take it to heart though, he's really lost his ability to differentiate between wha
it is inappropriate behavior, and if he is doing this to you, he is probably doing it alot. And you know he can't help it. Try being a health care professional with him, and how would you handle it? Probably by saying "no, that behavior is not allowed". Maybe your grandmother doesn't know what to do about it either....perhaps you talking to her about it would be helpful to her.
And I am sorry that you had to experience that, but in your heart, you probably realize it is just not him.