My mom is 85 and lives alone. My dad passed away two years ago and since they married when she was 19, she hadn't ever lived alone before. Her home is in the country and she doesn't drive making the winter months very difficult. My brother lives next door and I also live close by so she does have visitors quite often but she seems lonely and depressed. She has some memory and mobility issues - about what is expected for someone her age. We are concerned both for her emotional and physical well-being and have approached her a number of times about trying out assisted living. She is adamant that she does not want to move ("you might as well put me in the ground!") and she doesn't want someone living with her. As I've read a number of times here, it seems like we are just waiting for something to happen which will force the issue and that is scary. So, I'm interested in hearing what others who have had this same problem experienced after the person they care for did move into assisted living. Are they happier or are they miserable? It seems like my Mom would like to be around other people, have activities and be able to go out with a group but, unfortunately, she doesn't see it that way.
Don't do less than a fortnight, because you might find as I did with my mother that she's quite capable of folding her arms and metaphorically holding her breath until it's time to go home and then she won't get the benefit.
She has been on days out and to numerous birthday parties. There is something on every day and she's miserable if there's a single morning or afternoon with nothing to do.
She is now rehearsing for the Christmas show and hoping they have another in the new year. It has helped her so much. And it saved my sanity.