After spending 19 days in the hospital, including some days in the ICU, my 80-year-old mother was moved into a local nursing home for rehab and recuperating. My mother is normally an easy going person who doesn't complain much and keeps things bottled in. Now, I'm wondering if it making her feel worse on top of the pain she normally feels and acclimating to a new chapter. I think it would be helpful to encourage her to voice her frustrations and get those bottled feelings out. I've asked her to do so, which only shut her down more.
The point that it's often easier to talk without someone outside of the family is a good one. She may feel that she's laying guilt on you where as the social worker may be a better "target."
Just go gently. Use validation if she has dementia - that's vital. Allow her to lead no matter where she is cognitively.
Please keep us posted on how you both are doing,
Carol
As best I can explain it... Validation therapy integrates redirection techniques, and it is also about validating feelings & emotions for seniors w/ dementia & or trouble communicating. Hope this helps. All the best!