How to Encourage LO w/Alzheimer's to Socialize?

lucie418

My mom was just diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's and the doctor recommended that she get more intellectual stimulation from interacting with friends and peers - but unfortunately, my mom has been increasingly withdrawing from seeing people other than her immediate family members. After her diagnosis, we had her resign from her position as an attorney, as her supervisors were becoming increasingly critical of her performance and causing her more stress - so now she doesn't see coworkers. We've tried to get her to hang out with her friends, but she comes up with excuses not see them. 

Does anyone have any tips about how to lovingly encourage a family member with Alzheimer's to socialize - even when they come up with a million excuses not to? I don't want to push, but I also know it's good for her...

Ed1937

Lucie, welcome to the forum. Sorry you need to be here, but you've found a good one.

Trying to get someone to socialize might be a measure in futility. One thought comes to mind. Do you know the things she is interested in? Sewing? Crafting? Cooking? Try to find others who share whatever that is, and try to get them together. Nothing really structured, just matter of factly. If she is pretty interested in something, that seems to be the way to start. Good luck to you.

Ed1937

I should have added that you might want to let your sister know about this forum. There are several online, but none better than this one. We are family, we support one another, and we understand when others don't. We offer suggestions, and we genuinely care about each other.

HollyBerry

Volunteering? My partner has volunteered with Habitat Restore and they have been very kind and accepting as she has progressed. Food banks also need volunteers for tasks others might find boring but are straightforward enough for a PWD.  Check with your local senior center or RSVP, or churches.

Since she was an attorney,  maybe something political - helping prepare mailings for her favorite political party or candidate?

MN Chickadee

Easy for the doctor to say, not easy to actually do. She may not be able to keep up with normal conversations and activities of her peers and many PWD find it overwhelming and shy away from it. Some senior groups shy away from a PWD and don't want to engage or acknowledge it, it's scary. I would suggest either doing something together, such as an exercise class, art class, volunteer work or whatever might interest her. You can't send her alone and expect the organization to deal with a PWD but if someone goes with her it may work. Hosting coffee with some well chosen friends and doing the leg work for her and helping keep the conversation going may work for a while if you find willing participants. Otherwise adult day care may be an option. My mother had wonderful socialization in her day program. At first she was more "with it" than most of the other clients so she mostly related to the amazing staff. They knew exactly how to engage her, she helped out and thought she volunteered there. Then as she declined she related more to the other clients. They were well trained in dementia and came up with activities to keep the brain stimulated. Also try your local Agency on Aging or your local chapter of the Alzheimers Association. They may know of dementia specific activities in your area. My area has a monthly coffee social of PWD and their caregivers to socialize in a safe and understanding setting. We also have a choir geared specifically for PWD, and those exist in many cities around the country. I sang with my mother though the caregiver does not have to participate they will give your LO a volunteer partner if needed. Some of the PWD sing their hearts out and some can't really sing either because they were never musical or they are too advanced in dementia now, but everyone enjoys the music and being there. They seed it with musical volunteers.  It meets weekly during certain times of the year with a performance at the end of each session. They do more than sing it's also some stretching, talking, laughing.