Hello Lulu,
My mother in law is 83 and been diagnosed with alzheimers for 7 years. Day centre has been a part of our lives for approx. 18months. My father in law didn't want her to go, but our experience has been very positive, she enjoys it while she is there, but several minutes later has no recollection of ever having been. We started day care because they offered a bathing service ( she was not washing and my father in law could not get her into clean clothes, so the bathing service was fantastic, we now have an agency coming in to deal with personal needs, every morning and evening, and this ensures that she is clean, so we no longer use the bathing service at day centre.)
They have lots of activities, and sometimes people come to entertain, but most of all she receives stimulation that she doesn't get at home. My father in law accepts the day centre very happily now and wouldn't be able to manage without it, it gives him 3 days a week, and he now realises it is the best thing for his wife. At the present time we are trying to sort out respite, this is a new route we have not travelled before, just to start off with one week, he is 86 and needs a rest, but it is not easy trying to find somewhere, after a week of phoning around, my husband found a respite place yesterday, he is going to speak to his father today to see if he will accept it for his wife........ social services have spoken to them both about the advantages for both of them and he seems to understand that at least he will get to recharge his batteries, I am sure if he accepts he will be at the residential home every day, but at least he will be able to have a full nights rest.
I suggest you visit the local day centre, ours is a very happy centre with lots of laughter and I think that is important.
Hope this helps.
Carol