My father-in-law has Alzheimer’s and is in assisted living. He’s entered another stage of Alzheimer’s recently, and this has really ramped up his neediness (for lack of a better word). Visits help calm him down but we can’t visit him every day.
My husband and I are considering hiring someone from an agency like ‘Home Instead’ to keep him a bit more entertained. Taking him on walks (nearby, of course), playing games, and just keeping his mind occupied. We’re thinking possibly 3 times per week.
His finances are in good shape, so this is something he can afford.
I’d appreciate any feedback on this subject.
Thank you very much.
My sister and I did the same thing for our Mom. We started out at three times a week four hours a day with the idea that we could increase the number of hours if we needed more care given. I completely agree with the other comments here regarding finding the right person for Mom. Some of these granny nanny administrators will try to pair you up with whoever is easiest to schedule. Don’t be afraid to push back on the administrator if you feel like it’s not a match. You’ll obviously want to be around for the first visit just to make sure they are getting along. At some point you will have to leave them alone to see if they can be one on one with each other. I went out to grab coffee a couple hours into the first visit.I thought everything was going well but when I returned I got the stare of death from Mom. We fine tuned our description of who we thought would be compatible and the second person worked out well.
My father-in-law is very social so that would not be concerning. Any type of company will settle his nervousness. Thanks again, I appreciate your input.
Dad first started with the caregiver when he lived at home, then he brought her along to senior living. It worked out great, she worked from 7 a.m. to 1pm. Thus he got to see her smiling face first thing in the morning, this gave him a routine.
Dad had physical therapy couple times a week, so the caregiver made sure he was on time for his appointments. She also would take Dad to the sunroom so he could enjoy the sun and a change of scenery. If there was music entertainment, she would make sure Dad was there.
Another plus, this wonderful caregiver would take Dad to doctor appointments, thus the doctor and Staff knew who she was whenever Dad was there. She would call me after the appointment to let me know what was going on. After any doctor appointment or barbershop trip, she would stop at Burger King as a treat for Dad.
Dad had his caregiver M-F, and on the weekends another caregiver who also had been with him for over a year. She loved to bake, so she would bring him treats. And when Dad was having breakfast and lunch in the dining room, she would help the waitstaff to give her something to do while Dad ate.
Before calling an Agency, check with the facility to see if they allow "outside caregivers" to come into the facilities. Some facilities may not allow this as "strangers" might scare the other residents. The Agency in question knows what paperwork is required by the facilities, thus have all their ducks in a row. Well worth the cost :)
However, you will have to commit to be present until you are sure it is a good fit.
I would also check the charitable organizations in your area and see if they offer companion sitting.
I do this and I love my people, it is a volunteer program and has limits, but it could be a good resource for someone that is only going to visit.
Best of luck!