Stefan Mross discusses his mother's struggle with dementia.
In a heartfelt interview with "Bunte" magazine, entertainer Stefan Mross revealed some personal struggles. Despite his public role as a cheerful singer and presenter, his private life is tainted by his mother's struggle with dementia.
Stefan wishes to keep his mother in her comfortable surroundings, their family home in Traunstein, Upper Bavaria, for as long as possible. He shared, "I don't wanna uproot her from her home in my lifetime." Her familiar surroundings, he believes, are crucial to her wellbeing.
Currently, his mother requires level three care, Stefan explained. Occasionally, she shares stories that are typical of dementia patients, he noted. "I let her talk, I listen, even if she repeats the same things over and over." For now, her cognitive functioning is still intact, "She's a marvel for me. My Mama still wears makeup daily, maintains the house and garden, and keeps things running smoothly."
Stefan's brother, who lives nearby, takes care of their mother on a daily basis, in addition to sending her to daycare multiple times a week, according to Stefan. In his spare time, Stefan took his mother to Europe Park, where he hosts the ARD show "Immer wieder sonntags."
Stefan traveled over a thousand kilometers back home to his wife Eva due to his mother's first day at daycare, he confessed. "I felt compelled to be with her on her first day. That was a very emotional moment for both of us and my brother." They were initially worried how she would adapt, but to their relief, she found joy in the new environment. "There are around 20 older people who eat together, go on outings, and play games. She's been attending three times a week for the past three months until 5 pm." After her first visit, she expressed, "Today was the best day I've had."
She also took care of his clothes
Reflecting on his career, Stefan admitted, "If not for my mother, I wouldn't be where I am today." For 36 years, she woke up at 3 am and worked three jobs at the Bavarian Insurance Chamber, a car dealership, and the vocational school in Traunstein. She earned him his first two Marks in pocket money by helping with the cleaning.
Between jobs, his mother would return home to prepare breakfast and lunch for him and his brother. Even when his tired father, a bus driver, arrived home at 7 pm, dinner was already on the table. "And then she ironed my performance shirts."
Stefan emphasized, "My mother is a fighter, the strongest woman in my life. Two years ago, she suffered a heart attack and had three stents implanted. After a day in the hospital, she insisted on discharging herself."
His mother still keeps up with news about him in the media, Stefan shared. "The Mama buys all the magazines. Then she cuts out all my photos and displays them under the glass table in our living room."
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Stefan finds solace in music, often playing folk tunes on his banjo to comfort his mother. Regardless of her dementia, she still enjoys listening to pop music and her favorite artists.
