The only "tragically sad" part is the fact that most people in developed nations end up in institutions, rather than being cared for by their families.
If you want to see "tragically sad," volunteer at any nursing home in the US with a dementia/Alzheimer's ward. It's a prison where everyone's on death row, the only difference is the food sucks.
What they're doing by going along with their delusions is offering these elderly people more peace in their confusion. Interrupting a delusion abruptly is like slapping a baby for crying - they can't help their situation and limitations and they won't understand the punishment.
My grandfather had Alzheimer's for over a decade. It was always the goal to give him the best care. When possible, the family took care of him. But it's taxing. Eventually, my grandfather--not a violent person at all--started to become violent. (I've heard this is common for people with his condition.) That's when we know that he needed professional care. There are times when its in everyone's best interest to seek help from an institution.
Looking after someone with dementia is a full time job which is very emotionally draining and people can live many years with dementia. A lot of people could not afford to look after their loved ones, economically or mentally.
I imagine you'll quit your job when the time comes to look after your parents?
If I ever get dementia I'd like to be euthanasied, rather than have my children suffer through it.
Is leaving them completely alone for ten hours a day, five days a week really that much better? Especially with dementia, where they could wander off with no one even attempting to stop them.
If you want to see "tragically sad," volunteer at any nursing home in the US with a dementia/Alzheimer's ward. It's a prison where everyone's on death row, the only difference is the food sucks.
What they're doing by going along with their delusions is offering these elderly people more peace in their confusion. Interrupting a delusion abruptly is like slapping a baby for crying - they can't help their situation and limitations and they won't understand the punishment.