things to keep your spouse with early Alzheimer's busy

Posted by willow8 @willow8, 1 day ago

Can anyone share some ideas about what you do to keep your spouse with early Alzheimer's busy during the day. My husband is a golfer. He still golfs occasionally, but not nearly as much as he used to. Most days he is home here with me and just doesn't know what to do with himself. He constantly asks, "what are we doing today?" and expects me to entertain him. He runs errands with me, which he never did before and follows me around the house like a shadow. I have plenty to do around the house but he is not one who likes to help with housework. I still work part time and when I am gone all he does is watch tv. I feel guilty at work because I know he doesn't have anything to do, but I need to work to keep my sanity. When I read that I am supposed to give him towels to fold, or silverware to sort, that doesn't make sense at this stage. He is capable of doing lots of things but does not have the motivation to develop a new hobby. I have tried to get him to play games or do puzzles, but that is not his thing. Thanks for any suggestions, because I am out of ideas.

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dbamos1945 | @dbamos1945 | 17 hours ago

My situation diddo’s yours. My spouse happily spends time practicing his putting. It seems that this activity not only comforts him, but he is showing signs of improved thinking ability. If you have opportunity to sink cups into your back yard lawn it could give him a new, safe environment to peruse his love of golf through putting. Just my idea. Hope this helps you both!

tgeno | @tgeno | 9 hours ago

I have an identical situtation. My wife was a highly accomplished executive and all she did was work. She does take singing classes, but they’re only offered a couple of time a year. She never developed any other hobbies and shows no interest in developing any. Like your husband, she is too functional to do mindless sorting etc. We do take walks around the neighborhood. We go to a local bar for a couple of wines most afternoons. Occasionally we’ll invite friends for wine and cheese. This year, I did hire a senior care service who provides a companion for her for 4 hours a week. She likes her companion and looks forward to her visits.