My mom lives in an assisted living facility. She does have dementia. Now that they received their COVID vaccine, and once weather is better (we live in Northeast Ohio), I would like to take her out for the day. Do fun stuff. Is it wise to have her sleep over or should I bring her back? I don't want to confuse her more but I also like the fact we can have a "sleepover"! Thoughts??
8 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Memories are more important now than mini-vacation which might just be a heavy burden to bear or share.
Good thing you and your mom can finally get together.
ADVERTISEMENT
You could pose it as "we are having a vacation" and give it a try. You know her much better than we do. If the day out is not too much for her, she will likely be relaxed at home, and ready to rest. Only you can really answer this. If she becomes agitated is there someone at her ALF to accept her in? I know at my bro's place there was always one staff person in each cottage at night.
Very good possibility she will want to "go home" once you start trying to get her ready for bed. To move her for 1 night might be very confusing for her. She knows where her room is, her bathroom, her closet, dresser.....
Also keep in mind that your day out will be exhausting for her. What is "fun" for you might not be fun for her. Take her out, do a bit of shopping, maybe a walk in a park, have a nice lunch then bring her home (her home not yours). Next week take her out again. You do not have to put a years worth of outings in 1 day. Just be glad that she is vaccinated.
PLEASE remember that you both still need to wear masks, you still need to social distance and handwashing is still important. While the vaccine is a great start there are ever changing variants and there will always be a % of the population that will not or can not vaccinate and a % that will not wear masks. So precautions are still very necessary.