She accompanies me when I go to nursing homes to sing and play Gospel music and classic country music. She likes to help carry in the instruments and gear, and although she doesn't like to socialize because she feels embarrassed about her lack of memory and cognitive abilities, she will sit near me in front of the group and smile. I think the important thing is to get the dementia sufferer to participate in as many ways as possible, as long as they are safe. I also think, as you probably know, that with cognitive difficulties they can't be left alone because of the inability to take appropriate emergency action if something happens. Sometimes it feels like we are completely out of options, as 24/7 caregivers, but with a little thought, prayer and creativity, we can always come up with an idea or two. I used to be able to go to caregiver meetings, but I don't have anyone that could be with her and she won't go to any meetings or groups, aside from Church and our nursing home events. She is not the same person I married 59 years ago, so life has changed.