Home Dementia Specialist for Mind-Stimulating Work
Hello. I am finding more and more that my DH can not entertain/challenge himself when I'm not there to schedule things for him. Has anyone ever hired a specialist to come to the house to do work that stimulates the mind? Kind of like a tutor? My DH is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and I don't want to ask him to go to some kind of daycare; I know he won't accept it. I need breaks and time to take care of work and home business. Any suggestions for an early stage patient?
Thank you for your thoughts.
Comments
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DH still plays Sudoku. In addition, we always have a jigsaw puzzle in progress . The jigsaw puzzle exercies a different part of the brain than Sudoku. I know that he is often bored but I am also at a loss as to help with that. My DH is nearly 91 and though in pretty good shape for age but refuses to step outside of his comfort zone…things that he is accustomed to doing. Hoping others will have better ideas.
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That was a difficult time for me. My husband would not want anyone coming to our house primarily because he didn’t think he had a problem. I’m still not at that stage where he could accept a stranger being here.
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@jennybeeay
The lack of ability to initiate and continue a task without prompting is generally a middle stage symptom. If he needs you to entertain him throughout the day, this may be more about you being his security object and introducing someone to give you a break to attend to other tasks may take some finessing.
Some PWD don't adapt easily to someone other than "their" person engaging them; it was a long time before dad accepted care/attention from anyone other than mom. Dad refused care from anyone if mom was in the house. Like if I brought him a sandwich, he'd tell me to take it to mom and have her bring it to him. We only ever overcame that with a young, pretty and talented aide who mostly sat with him while he flirted with her and then only if mom was out of the house.
I've known of people who brought in aides who engaged their LO in different tasks like puzzles and baking. But I have never heard of a dementia-tutor coming in to work with someone. What sort of training and credentials would this person have? I know sometimes SLPs and OTs do cognitive therapy but I expect that would be expensive out-of-pocket.
HB5 -
I have had the same issue with my husband for a while now. He will work on a crossword, if prompted, but usually just sits to read and falls asleep. I have tried puzzles, which I love, but he won't participate for more than a few minutes. A couple of years ago I suggested he just try a day program to see if he would like it, mostly for some social activity that did not involve me. He agreed and has really enjoyed going. I did not think he would go for it but he did and now I am so grateful I started relatively early because he is very comfortable there. I would say he is now in the middle stages of Alzheimer's. On the days when he is just home he sleeps a lot, and with the exception of taking a short walk with me does not do much other than sit and read or watch tv, and he sleeps through a lot of both of those activities.
3 -
I don't know how old your husband is, but would a local senior center be appropriate? Much different than daycare. Perhaps you go together a few times - get a schedule in advance for the actives. Then, if it goes ok, hire an aide to accompany him a couple of times a week. You could also try physical therapy or occupational therapy. They can come to the home too. Either should provide a break for you. If those options aren't good for you, perhaps an aide can just come to the house for a few hours a few times a week. That person can certainly keep him company, play games to help stimulate the mind, etc.
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When dad had a mobile PT come to the house, mom had to sit in on the sessions to discuss goals, report progress and learn what "homework" would be assigned ahead of the next appointment. Rather than being a break, it was one more thing on her to-do-list. When dad refused to cooperate with her on his assigned exercises, he was dismissed.
HB3 -
Look into Brain HQ online brain games. They are recommended by the Mayo Clinic Habit Program and are backed by research to improve brain function. It has been life changing for my husband. He has regained lost executive function and has improved short term memory loss.
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Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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