My Dad has been in a dementia care facility for one month. He hasn’t settled in yet. I would like to bring him to my home for Father’s Day for a few hours. I have mixed feelings about it being the right time or is it too soon? My hope is it would help him realize he can go on outings, and become more accepting of his new home.
I have property and there is a driveway that leads to the back where I have fruit trees, blueberry bushes and vegetable garden. I drove her around back and we stayed in the vehicle with the windows open in the orchard and over by the garden and I told her when the blueberries came in I could set up a chair and umbrella and she could pick blueberries for me. She loved gardening when she was younger so naturally she was thrilled! It came to bite me on the butt later.
That one little trip in March caused confusion and crying about going "home" to pick blueberries. I'm telling you, it was a complete mistake. It's now the middle of June and I believe we've finally gotten past it. These good intentions on my part set into motion months of not accepting her B&C was now "home." After her last hospitalization she came back to her room, looked at all her family photos on the wall and said "Ohhhhh it's so good to be back home." My eyes filled because I felt my mistake would never get us there and it was so good to hear.
My advice based on personal experience is to wait. Some others may have different (and better) experiences though.
Once my Mom was in her AL, I never took her out. Never took her to see the "old homestead". Their world becomes small. To take them out of it causes confusion and can be overwhelming. Church was familiar to Mom but became overwhelming with the people that came over to give her a hug and just say hi. She was better in her room at my house watching the service on my laptop.
So, do not bring Dad home. The facility will have something there you can join in on. Sometimes its not so much doing for them, we are really doing it for us. Dad probably will not even realize Sunday is fathers day. And if told, he may not retain the info.
The MC will almost certainly have a Fathers Day party. Celebrate it there
If he’s not settled in yet and he asks to go home , not understanding he has to stay there, then it’s too soon to take him to your house . Also if he used to live with you I think it’s a bad idea to bring him home so soon .
Particularly if he has not "settled in" yet.
If you want to take him on an outing bring him to lunch. Or to a park.
In the process of going to lunch or to the park do NOT drive anywhere near his old residence.
It’s confusing to you now because this is a learning curve for you and your father.
As time goes by, it will start to make more sense to you.
Wishing you and your dad all the best.
Give him more time to adjust. And down the road, you can start by taking him to either a restaurant or city park for a picnic, and see how he does when you bring him back.
I would stay away from bringing him to any home that might trigger him and make it harder for him to return to his facility.
I think it is so beautifully written, and would definitely be my fear for you.
Such beautiful intentions. So much sadness.
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