My husband has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s on the dementia nurses advice I’m looking at groups for my husband to join We have 2 daughters the youngest lives about 2 hours away the oldest is 20 mins away When I was discussing the groups with her she seemed very negative about them & said what does Dad think I have discussed this fully with my husband and he’s happy to give them a go I would never force him into anything I’m just trying my best for him I’ve not stopped crying tonight as I thought I was doing the best thing but now I feel lost I’ve seen that people who join groups fare better than people who don’t Any input would be gratefully received
I would agree with the other people who have replied to this thread. Do give the various social activities in your area a try. In our case, our three children were very supportive of my doing so. I was just a bit concerned about how my husband, who has Alzheimer’s, would respond if the other people with Alzheimer’s were very much more severely affected than he was. I needn’t have worried as this has not been an issue.
We are still in the early stages of trying out the activities available. We’ve been to a memory cafe and met some lovely people there. We’ve also been to an activities day run by Alive. Both were very enjoyable and supportive. So far we haven’t tried tea dances or a singing group. They don’t appeal so much to us.
I did think about a Men’s Shed but wasn’t sure it would be safe for my husband with things like lathes around. He’d potentially be a bit too keen and was never a DIYer. There are also opportunities for gardening but I’m not sure that would suit my husband either. Again, he’d be a little to keen to hack everything back.
I do think that everyone’s different and different activities will suit different people. Just try what’s available and stick with what suits you.
My husband also especially enjoys going out for lunch so we often do this. We have places we go to where the staff have got to know him and have a laugh with him.
I hope you find some activities that suit you. When we first went, I felt it was very much for my husband’s benefit but actually found it far more enjoyable myself than I’d expected.