Wife has nothing to do

Karl38 · December 28

My wife has ALZ and she has had a rapid change from Stage 4 to 5 in the past few months. She has no interests and is really not capable of doing much anymore. She gets moody and agitated with nothing to do so I try my best to find things. We go for walks in the neighborhood, go to the Mall and walk around, eat lunch out almost every day, go to Senior Center activities, etc. But it's not enough to fill every day. It's worse in the evenings because Sundowners is becoming more of a problem now in Stage 5. Any suggestions on how to handle this are appreciated.

terei · December 29

I hired a companion to come in and take her to lunch, garage sales, conversation, etc once or twice a week. If you could do that it would also give you a break from full time caregiving. Sometimes playing music that you know she likes could help. This is another reason why LOs are placed in MC so they have numerous people around, activities, breakfast, lunch, dinner and activities to keep residents active. IMO 24/7 caregiving by one person can go on only so long before the caretaker is exhausted and burned out.

SDianeL · December 29

you might try a realistic baby doll. Many have used them. You can do a search for them for dementia. Does your county have an elderly daycare? If she is agitated I would speak to her doctor about medication.

H1235 · December 29

Others have said that folding laundry is something people with dementia enjoy. I have also heard of giving them something to sort ( even if it serves no purposes other than to occupy her). Finding the right type of tv program or you tube videos may work. Maybe a simple puzzle or coloring books might be something to try. Even if she has not enjoyed these activities in the past, she may now. I hope you can find something that works for her.

Marla13 · December 29

Maybe she might enjoy activities at an adult day care center if you have one near you?

Maru · December 29

You are already doing more than we are doing. My DH (probably state 4) only wants to play Sudoku and watch his favorite sports teams on TV. I keep a jigsaw puzzle going in the kitchen and he will work on that every now and then. Evenings are spent in watching TV with me, although most of the time DH is doing endless scrolling on his Ipad. He refuses to go on any errands with me, even if I offer to take him out for a treat.He is almost 91 but still mobile. I have given up on trying to engage him in anything. It's pretty depressing.

White Crane · December 29

When my DH was still home, he helped by drying dishes, setting the table, folding laundry…towels and washcloths, helping me change the sheets on the bed, chopping fruits or vegetables for meals, raking taking a few leaves, sorting silverware, easy jigsaw puzzles, singing familiar songs, sitting outside when the weather was nice and watching the cars and walkers go by.

Goodlife2025 · December 30

Folding laundry has been a big one for us but like you said it only keeps her busy for so long. I am currently experimenting with a variety of fidgets. I have a grandson with autism and I noticed her messing with his. She likes the ones where she pushes in a bubble or button but they make a big variety.

Wife has nothing to do

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