My first day home has been a bit busy (understatement!), but my new blog is now up on the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com. I invite you to read it and tell me what you think of my idea for Sid. Have any of you ever tried anything like it?
There was a comment on this thread by MarilyninMD about her being in the same situation as me. Father in ALF and AD husband. It has disappeared. Can't figure out how that happened, as I am the only one who can delete a whole comment. ??????????????????? Anyway, Marilyn, if you are out there, would you please post it again.
I expect it to be about a month for the dust to settle from all the upheaval for both my father and Sid. We're hoping for the best, but I do think the same as Bluedaze - it can be a win/win. I hope.
marilyninMDCommentTime7 hours ago Joan--speaking as one who is in the same situation (Dad in ALF/husband with AD)--Steve enjoys visiting my Dad and helping me take care of him. It does give him a purpose and someone else to focus on. Hopefully, it will work out that way with Sid.
I hope it will be a wonderful symbiotic relationship. Among the things I wish, I wish there were some way we (mostly as in Jeff) could spend more time hanging around where there are seniors to interact with. Among the skills he retains is an affinity for the elderly and a willingness to listen, smile, and just be company. But I could never send him somewhere on his own because he's utterly unable to find his way around a corner. Sometimes I think he'd be better off if he DIDN'T have me to take care of him, because then he might, by default, have to live in an ALF and I think he might actually enjoy it. But it would never work to say, "ok, you're going to live here now, away from me."
Joan, this really does sound like a good thing, especially if your dad is ok with making the move. Like emily, I really wish there was a SAFE place for DH to enjoy being with others without being CONFINED..but he can't be left alone in unfamiliar places and this now means..he can't be trusted to walk around our town square and get back. There is no DAY program anywhere near us. Unfortunately, the day program at the nearest Alz.facility stopped those services. I have felt for a long time now, that by keeping him here, he is missing out on the opportunity to make friendships and have social contact with others. It has seemed to me that Sid has had such a good opportunity in your location, Joan. Possibly it will be even better for all of you when your dad arrives.