Kate Swaffer is living with a diagnosis of dementia and has eloquently taught me and given me a better understanding of what it’s like to be on the other side of this journey. I immediately connected with this post that speaks of the term “hiraeth” which means homesickness for a home in which you can never return.
On every visit with mom, I interact with 2 or 3 residents who are trying to get “home.” Some want to know if I can give them a ride, some want to know when family is picking them up, and some just want to know where home is. I also have frequent conversations with mom about going home, and it breaks my heart each time. I know for many moving into dementia, even home might not be “home” all the time. Shared.
A new word for me but so fitting, both for the one with dementia and the one who has gone from child or spouse to caregiver….
This is a very moving post – thanks for sharing it.
This resonates with me as well. Dad and his roommate were planning to “break out” of the care center and another resident always carried a bundle of clothes with him, like he was ready for a trip.