From time to time one of our reverse mortgage borrowers is seeking a reverse mortgage to help support a spouse who has dementia or Alzheimer’s. These reverse mortgage funds are often used to hire home health care which enables the healthy spouse to get out of the house, buy groceries, run errands, and so forth. So my interest is piqued whenever I see or hear anything relating to dementia or Alzheimer’s. Apparently, individuals suffering from dementia are prone to anger and frustration. A recent Australian study found that humor is very beneficial to those suffering from dementia. Developing a lighthearted and good-natured rapport with dementia sufferers helps to alleviate the anger and frustration in over 2/3 of those studied. The study didn’t mention the affect that a good-humored demeanor would have on the caregiving spouse, but one would imagine that this would help them as well. So, this is a reminder to those spouses – and to all of us – to lighten up and have fun!
Jimbo King