Dear Snuffy
I found it hard at first when Mum went to the day centre - although I explained it to her she was a bit disorientated at first, but she got used to it. By the time she went to a specialist dementia day centre she was very happy with the whole thing - she would be on the lookout for the minibus. She went on canal cruises, pub lunches, visits to the local country park etc, as well as the activities at the centre itself. She had a place at the second centre for five days a week, which later became six, as I work on Saturdays on a regular basis. It was such a relief to be able to go to work, or just relax on my day off, without worrying if she was wandering, and knowing that she was safe and not on her own. It certainly has made the last 18 months easier. Enjoy your free time - it helps recharge the batteries and takes some of the weight from your shoulders.
Take care,
Claire.