Should a loved-one who has dementia be corrected when they are wrong about something?

[Trueblue Texan]

19. I work with the elderly...

....and have training with memory care. The most compassionate and practical way you can respond to your sister is to remember her version of reality is different from yours and respect that. There is no practical reason to make her repeat the grief of losing a loved one, no reason to create anxiety that she must stay where she doesn’t want to stay. Redirect her attention, answer her questions in a way that will comfort her, not challenge her version of reality, and will move her forward to happier thoughts. Try not to challenge her or “help” her remember by encouraging her to try harder or by quizzing her on details you think she should know. She is truly doing her best. Try to make her feel loved and share happy memories with her as she is able to access them. Try never to challenge, quiz, or educate her to a reality that conflicts with her own. Sensory pleasures experienced in music, visual arts, and movement such as dance and physical contact such as massage are great ways to share joy with your loved one. Even reading can be a pleasureable shared experience. I hope this helps. Just do your best and love and appreciate her. Redirection is a skill that will serve you both well.