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How can I keep my mother with Alzheimer's and my 3 year old from fighting?

Gray duck asked...

My mother is 80 yrs old and within the last six months has been diagnosed with alzheimer's and is taking 10mg aracete. She has also moved back into what was her old home that I have owned and lived in for the last ten years. I also have a 3yr old son that lives in the same residence, when these two are left alone for any amount of time they start at each other like they are both three year olds. Is this common and what do I do short of sending both to seperate corners for time out?

Expert Answer

A social worker and geriatric consultant who specializes in dementia care, Joyce Simard is based in Land O' Lakes, Florida, and in Prague. She is a well-known speaker and has written two books, one focusing on end-of-life care and the other, entitled The Magic Tape Recorder, explaining aging, memory loss, and how children can be helpers to their elders.

Perhaps you could set up projects that would be of interest to both of them, like coloring in coloring books. So  both grandma and her grandson could focus on something together. Grandma may remember coloring when she was younger or having colored with her children. Another thought is to have them watch a movie, video or television together.