Aunt Mabel’s Magical Fridge Adventure
Imagine your aunt looking at the fridge like it’s a doorway to Narnia. That’s what dementia can do to a person’s mind. It’s not that your aunt is being silly on purpose. Her brain is playing tricks on her.
When someone has dementia, the world can become a confusing place. Things that seem normal to us might look very different to them. That old refrigerator in the kitchen? To your aunt, it might seem like a gateway to another world.
Why does this happen? Well, dementia messes with the part of the brain that helps us understand what we’re seeing. So, your aunt might look at the fridge and think, “That’s not a fridge. It’s definitely a portal to somewhere exciting!”
It’s a bit like when you’re dreaming. In dreams, everyday objects can turn into magical things. For someone with dementia, this can happen when they’re wide awake.
Your aunt might be convinced she can step through the fridge into a tropical paradise or a bustling city from her past. She might even try to pack a suitcase for her “trip”!
It’s important to remember that arguing with her won’t help. To her, the fridge really is a portal. Instead, try to gently redirect her attention to something else. Maybe suggest looking at old photo albums or listening to her favorite music.
This fridge portal idea might seem funny or frustrating to you, but for your aunt, it’s very real. Dementia can make the world a scary and confusing place. Your aunt’s “magical fridge” might be her brain’s way of making sense of things.
So, next time you visit and find your aunt peering into the fridge like it’s about to transport her to Oz, remember to be patient. Give her a hug, maybe make her a cup of tea, and know that in her world, that fridge might just be the most exciting thing in the room.
