My parents are in a great assisted living situation. My dad’s issues are not dementia related but do spiral into medical problems that require ambulance and hospitalization. My mom will not leave their room to go to the dining. She has a tray brought to her. I am torn with forcing her to go and just leaving her alone while he is gone. Has anyone dealt with this?
My Dad was the opposite, it was gang way, one had to get out of his way when it was 5:00 and he wanted to go to the dining room. Otherwise my Dad was happy sitting in his room either reading or watching TV. I figure let Dad make his choices to give him a sense of independence.
Maybe she doesn't want to participate in activities. My mother didn't either ( although she was in a SNF, not AL), except for music. She found the activities boring; she would rather read. And I agreed with her. So did my sister, who was a psychiatric nurse.
Ask yourself what the reasons are for pursuing this? Is she unhappy? Otherwise eating well?
I might speak with the rep at the facility about it. The regular AL that my LO first attended had a rule that at least 2 meals per day HAD to be eaten in the dining room. IT was designed to prevent isolation, imo. But, they made the trip to the dining room fun, by announcing it with enthusiasm and encouragement. They also had assigned seating, so everyone had a place and no one felt left out. Could they arrange that for her?
But, if she really enjoys her privacy, I don't know that I would force her to enter the dining area. I wonder if her making some friends who invite her to join them would help any. The social director should be able to offer some input and assistance with it.
I might also check to make sure she's not depressed. Sometimes, that can cause one to not want to mingle or eat much.