How did you prepare your partner for going to daycare program?

My husband goes to an enrichment program three days/week. I tell him it’s good for him and me both, and he’s begun to think of it as his “club.” He’s urged other men to come join him, and I had to intervene and say they weren’t “qualified,” I.e. they didn’t have dementia.

My husband recently started attending a Respite program at a local church. It’s available M-Th from 10-2. I have started him with just one day a week. I was afraid he wouldn’t like it, but thankfully he does. It benefits him to be around others facing the challenges that he faces. I benefit from those four hours to myself. It is my time of refreshing.

I would just suggest making it a priority for him to go while he’s able. We waited too late for my dad due to his resistance. I regret that. Later, he wasn’t physically able to go due to such poor mobility. I offered to go with my dad at first, but he still wasn’t interested. I’ve read that helps some people.

The senior center I was advocating had dance lessons, a gym, media center, games, meals, organized activities, etc. He could have stayed all day, providing the family with time to recharge batteries and attend to our needs. Good luck.