My Father has dementia and is very mean. I am at my wits end. Any advice?

It just occurred to me that you might want to consider getting Meals on Wheels for him, if he's not able to drive. Contact the Clarkston Senior Center to see if they handle that; if not the Area Agency on Aging 1-B might be able to help.

I'm wondering also if he needs some socialization to balance out his loneliness. The Clarkston Senior Center might also have some suggestions along this line.

If he likes music, check out the local United Methodist Churches. I believe it was last year that they hosted a free music program. There might be more in the pipeline since the holiday season is approaching.

Skizzie, sometimes people can get on each other's nerves and say things that wouldn't be said otherwise, even if they didn't have dementia. I think your idea of spending afternoons alone to give him some down time is a good idea. I hope it works out well for both of you.

You also have the right to tell him, dementia notwithstanding, that you won't tolerate verbal abuse. I don't know if you can determine that his behavior is a result of his medical condition, is his natural nature, or is stress from the dementia and his mental and physical decline. But you don't have to be a verbal punching bag, whatever the cause of his behavior is.

Garden Artist.....I have thought of your suggestions and this is, also, what I am planning on doing. I have things I need to do at my home that I have neglected. I plan to go home in the afternoon and then come back at dinner time until bedtime. This can be a routine. The afternoon time is a time he can nap and I can recoup from the morning. Thank you.

Many people have said that I should just ignore his hurtful remarks and not take them personally. But, when it is your father and not just a patient it is very hard to separate yourself. The doctor did give him something one time that made him kind of a zombie and say really goofy things. I had him take him off if them and he isn't on anything now. I always said that I would never do that to my dad. But, I am so tired of the mean comments and the crying that I feel like I am going insane. He has an appt. with the doctor in a couple of weeks and I am going to talk to him about giving him something that will will help the depression and mood swings. Thank you for your suggestions, Sunnygirl.

Make yourself less available. Everyone needs some down time. Cook meals that he can heat up or microwave himself and gradually decrease the time you spend there. As long as you're available, he'll apparently use you as a verbal punching bag.

Sunny above had some good ideas, here are some more to try https://www.agingcare.com/articles/bad-behavior-by-elderly-parents-138673.htm

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. I think that when we have loved ones who have dementia, we have to lower our expectations that they will act normal or be the same person they used to be. Their brain is damaged. It's like someone getting angry with a person in a coma, because they refuse to talk to them. They can't. They don't have the ability.

Have you discussed his agitation and anxiety with his doctor? Often, medications can really help the patient feel less anxious and depressed. It might help the delusions too. Meds did wonders for my loved one.

I'm not sure that explaining things helps. Saying anything in the moment to calm them is one option. Disagreeing or trying to convince them that their delusions are incorrect doesn't usually help. I just say that I'm sorry they are upset, but the problem or thing that they don't like has been taken care of all is now well. I then say, I'm there to celebrate and have brought them a treat. Try to lighten the mood. I don't have any expectations that she will respond, be happy or act nice. She may not be capable.

It sounds like your dad may be the point that staying alone is not safe. I would explore options of how he's going to be cared for in his condition. If he continues to be so hostile, this may require some time and effort.