Hello All
I help to care for my mum-in-law who has been having problems for some time. We think she is in the early/mid-stages of dementia - we have an appointment at the memory clinic later this week where we hope we will finally know what's wrong and what we can expect in the future.
She 85 years old, lives alone and is quite frail and is well taken care of in most respects - we visit twice daily and she has carers four times per day. However, between times, she doesn't get much stimulation and I worry that she is isolated and a little depressed.
Although she was never a sociable person and didn't have any hobbies or interests, she was very sharp and used to enjoy keeping up with current affairs, reading the papers, listening to music and watching TV. Now she has lost all interest in these things. I don't think she can concentrate on things the way she used to and there are practicalities like remembering how to turn things on and off. We leave instructions for the carers to leave the TV or radio on but she seems disinterested and seems to prefer sitting quietly staring into space.
I have asked if she would like me to get her magazines or puzzle books, thinking they may be easier for her to dip in and out of but she doesn't seem really bothered. When we visit, I try to get her into conversations about family or the old days and get the photos out to have a look through, but though she's happy to converse for a little while, she soon tires of it and tunes-out.
I have asked her if she is bored and what I can do to help, but says she has too much to think about. I think what she means by this is that she is confused and trying to understand and remember things occupies her mind most of the time.
She remarked the other day that it was "time she wasn't here" - which was really upsetting - but it showed that she really isn't happy. I worry that her quality of life is very poor and would like to do something to help improve things, but have no idea what.
Has anyone any idea of activities we can do together or something to keep her stimulated between visits? Grateful for any help.
I help to care for my mum-in-law who has been having problems for some time. We think she is in the early/mid-stages of dementia - we have an appointment at the memory clinic later this week where we hope we will finally know what's wrong and what we can expect in the future.
She 85 years old, lives alone and is quite frail and is well taken care of in most respects - we visit twice daily and she has carers four times per day. However, between times, she doesn't get much stimulation and I worry that she is isolated and a little depressed.
Although she was never a sociable person and didn't have any hobbies or interests, she was very sharp and used to enjoy keeping up with current affairs, reading the papers, listening to music and watching TV. Now she has lost all interest in these things. I don't think she can concentrate on things the way she used to and there are practicalities like remembering how to turn things on and off. We leave instructions for the carers to leave the TV or radio on but she seems disinterested and seems to prefer sitting quietly staring into space.
I have asked if she would like me to get her magazines or puzzle books, thinking they may be easier for her to dip in and out of but she doesn't seem really bothered. When we visit, I try to get her into conversations about family or the old days and get the photos out to have a look through, but though she's happy to converse for a little while, she soon tires of it and tunes-out.
I have asked her if she is bored and what I can do to help, but says she has too much to think about. I think what she means by this is that she is confused and trying to understand and remember things occupies her mind most of the time.
She remarked the other day that it was "time she wasn't here" - which was really upsetting - but it showed that she really isn't happy. I worry that her quality of life is very poor and would like to do something to help improve things, but have no idea what.
Has anyone any idea of activities we can do together or something to keep her stimulated between visits? Grateful for any help.