Not to be Home Alone

One thing Pop is in great need of is the opportunity to get out of the house. He has always been very active, working in the yard and having a garden among other things, since he retired from his career work. Traveling has also always been important to him.

Now, if he goes outside to work in his shop, Mom loses track of him. If he wants to go to a particular store, such as Home Depot or the grocery store, Mom must go with him; however, she does not always want to go. She may even refuse. One time he took her with him, and she would not get out of the car once they got to the parking lot. So he left her in the car alone. Fortunately, Mom did not go in search of him, wander off, or have a heat stroke!

One thing the doctor recommended was “brain therapy,” also referred to as “adult daycare.” Centers which offer this service for an hourly fee, half-day, or whole-day rates, provide excellent care for an individual suffering from some type of dementia. Various activities are structured throughout the day, and lunch is provided. These places provide mental and social stimulation for the client, while allowing the caregiver time during which he/she can be free to run errands, socialize, rest, or do whatever is needed.

Mom went to one brain therapy session with one of my sisters last fall. They enjoyed a lovely lunch with those in attendance; and then Mom, with purse on arm, stated that she was ready to go home. She did not belong there with all those “old folks.” Pop made one more effort to go there one day, but Mom recognized the place as they approached it and refused to go in. End of that part of the story….