Can you imagine your mother saying that? Well, it is not uncommon for someone with dementia to see themselves as much younger and yearn for the joys of holding and loving a new born baby.
The family that heard this did all they could not to laugh but respected their mom with a lovely response. I think that is the lesson – listen and respond nicely and then change the subject.
But, I wanted to talk about what “baby” might mean to someone with dementia. It could be the need to care for something – try to give Mom pets or plants that she needs to care for and nurture daily.
Sometimes “baby” can represent “new”. What can you add or do that is new? Ideas: paint a wall, buy some new colorful shoes, bring in a child to visit if all your little ones have grown up. The honesty and freshness of children can be a great joy to those with dementia – but be sure this is time limited for both the visitor and mom or dad with a dementia.
The lesson here is that all requests are not concrete – but are often metaphors for something you can respond to in a creative way!