Assignment task:
Edna is a 79-year-old woman who has late-stage dementia. Two months ago, her husband Eddie died unexpectedly - they had been married for 58 years. She has been in the residential care facility for the past six weeks. Family members and healthcare staff are very concerned as Edna is becoming increasingly agitated and upset.
Edna says "I don't know what kind of illness this is supposed to be. My family are afraid of what I might do. They are afraid I won't remember my name. I told them I will wear a bracelet. I want to be at home. What do I have to do? For how long? Will it get worse? The things I forget are not important. I can't believe I can't go home. I have had this brain all my life. I know my husband is dead but I want to go home. I am not having any problems. I have lost a lot."
As a counselor in the facility, what would you do to be supportive of Edna and her family?