After a 6-month hiatus, today I took my husband back to an adult day program. It was a trial to see whether after a major med adjustment, he would enjoy participating. I am happy to report that all went well (of course, I realize that the next day I take him things could be completely different)! The staff was thrilled; they even told me that when a new female participant became upset, he stroked her hand and calmed her down (he is late Stage 6). I figured that the sight of a hysterical female was familiar to him and he assumed it was me (haha). Seriously, I was impressed by that and it shows me that he can still interact with others, which is the main reason I wanted him to resume attending. My plan is to take him 2 days a week, so he will have more variety and get out of the house more frequently.
Marilyn, fabulous news. I love hearing he can still interact with others. Funny "hysterical female" remark although in my mind's eye you are the essence of calmness. You sound like you've had good news. If I had any champagne I'd drink a toast, but here's to you both with my diet coke. Cheers!
Oh how I wish my DH would go to the adult day program. I know he would like it if he would just give it a chance. But of course we tried that& it didn’t work. I know my DH has digressed since we tried day care, but I know that he still would not go.
Glad to hear its looking good for a return to socializing. aww thats so sweet him comforting the female. sometimes we have to ask how much they do understand. divvi
Today DH smiled and waved at son and also puckered up for a kiss from me! He hasn't even acted like he knew son in a long time. He surprises us just when we don't expect it!
divvi--it didn't surprise me at all that he would comfort a female participant. DH learned to be the "man of the house" at a young age due to his Dad's EOAD. I have often thought that he himself would have made a wonderful dementia caregiver (ironic).
Terry--that champagne idea sounds good, but I'll toast too with my cup of coffee!
Elaine--don't give up on the idea--eventually, he may reach a point when he will enjoy it. We all know that nothing stays the same with this disease.
Good news is what each of us need to hear about...... Thank God for Good News....... So glad to hear about it. Can't keep from smiling..... Hope more of you have a good news kinda day........
Just thought about good news myself...... Yesterday was the first time in the last one and ahalf years that I have been able to leave my dh with someone else. I was gone 4 hours and it was great...... Guess where I went????????? To sign up for mental health care so there will be half a chance I can live out the duration of this disease being a better person than I am now. Then I went grocery shopping ALL BY MY SELF..... It was heavenly not having to go find dh or expect help and it not be there. When I got back to pick up by dh he met me at the car with a Huge Hug. I asked if he missed me and he said yeah and gave another hug. I needed this and need more of it...... We all do. Even if it is to find help for ourselves..... I had a great evening....... Hope the same for all of you.
mammie how wonderful you got a first 4hrs of respite! i hope you get more as time moves forward. yes even a trip to the grocery store ALONE can be a fulfilling event these days!it will get easier to leave and enjoy more time out alone. divvi
Way to go MAMMIE!!!! I look forward to hearing about your next time out. It's amazing how I much I enjoy hearing about the experiences of others. Not to mention the motivation to do the same!
Not likely to get more respite care unless medicare pays for it. The one brother that did watch dh for those few hours didn't want to do it but I kinda made him feel guilty and he did it. No one else even ask or calls. But I will get it where I can. Thanks for the concern.