Hello @anna8 … thank you for your post today. It resonates with me greatly. My husband is beginning 8 years following his original diagnosis of MCI which transitioned to Dementia due to Alzheimer’s 4 yrs ago. Similar to your husband, mine has almost no hobbies or interests still available to him due to his symptoms. He has gait issues resulting in a walk no further than 3-4 houses down the street, has had many falls, reads the WSJ daily but I suspect now understands little and literally retains nothing, isn’t interested in puzzles, games, etc. our conversations are me talking and him listening but no interaction. I can go on and on with details … but I’ll spare you. Just 2 months ago I knew I had to make at least a very small change in our routine because I began to feel trapped and losing hope of anything to look forward to. I enrolled him in a 5 hour day care class 1 day a week sponsored by our local commission on the aging. I was upbeat about everything thing I communicated to him, including calling it an enrichment group. He typically makes 1 small comment each week indicating he isn’t thrilled with going but I reframe this by saying they count on him etc. I’ve started having caregivers come occasionally when I meet girlfriends for dinner. He can no longer be alone once sundowning begins about 4 pm. I wanted to give them ideas about things to do with him but I’m at a loss. Anyway, I say all this to encourage you about a daycare program. I’ve noticed that every time I pick my husband up to go home he is animated, talking with other attendees (the class size is between 5-7 which I think is perfect) and even says something witty! I’ve had 5 hours to be in my own home alone - yippee! … In a few weeks I’m going on a girls trip by car 5 hours away for 2 nights. First time in years without my husband. I need that too! It’s taken a lot of organizing to get to this point of having hope and optimism that I haven’t totally lost my own life. The effort has definitely caused me some anxiety along the way, but no one else is in our lives to relieve me of full time caregiving. Beginning year 8 has me worn down and wondering how long ? Hope this helps you.
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