To anna8 My husband used to be an active Bridge player, golfer, hiker, wood worker and could usually find things to entertain himself. That was before his dementia. Now he is content to sleep all day. He will watch the baseball games with me sometimes for about 30 minutes, then he is over it and wants to go back to bed. He has chronic back pain and sitting or walking for too long is painful for him.
After reading your posting about your spouse's boredom, I began wondering, if what looks like boredom to us is actually the loss of the ability to "engage" in activities. The brain skills for that may be greatly diminished or not there anymore. Are we wanting them to do what they are no longer capable of doing? Is he saying that he is bored? or is that our assessment? One of the things that happens with dementia is that because the person cannot remember what you say to them, they can't remember that you said where you are going to be if you leave the room. And because you represent safety and stability to them, they get anxious when you are not with them. They follow you around to keep you in sight. This is called "shadowing." I have found that reflecting back to them what they are concerned about, giving reassurance that you will always see to his needs and then redirecting him to another subject can be helpful. This is a tough road you are on with your husband. I have been on this road for five years now. The one thing that has helped me understand and cope with this challenge is learning all I can about dementia. Knowledge is power. If you can recognize the changes you are seeing in him and if you can anticipate what is coming down the road, I think you will be less fearful and frustrated going forward. I took four online, live courses on dementia, dementia care and most important caring for ourselves as caregivers. I learned to recognize the emotions I was/am feeling and how to deal with them. If you are interested in this go to Teepa Snow's website "Positive Approach to Care" Remember you are not alone and you can vent on this site anytime 24/7.