My mom has Alzheimer’s and has been in asssited living for four weeks. She is still social and aware of everything and everyone around her. She cannot do the basics of daily care however. Bathing, preparing meals, toileting. I or another family member visit everyday. But she really misses her home. Would it be okay to do weekly home visits so she can check her house and have a little down time from group living. I would of course be with her the entire time. Thoughts?
I agree that taking your mom to visit her home is not a good idea at this point. She may become depressed or, worst case scenario, refuse to go back to the ALF. Most elderly people who have moved to a facility from their home want to go back to just look at their home and it's rarely advised.
However, going out to lunch, movies, and club meetings would be a great idea! I'll bet that your mom would love doing things like that. Invite your mom out! If she's hesitant try to cajole her a bit, see if she'll agree, but if you find yourself pushing her that's where you stop.
But try to entice her into going out for a short while. Maybe to lunch.
AL is her home now. 95% of us can tell you that not only did our loved ones miss the home they recently left, but WE missed them being in that home of happier times as well. It’s an adjustment for everyone involved. But for a person with Alzheimer’s, to switch between their present home and past home can be upsetting and confusing.
Or the parent comes back to Assisted Living and the Staff has a heck of a time calming them down.
If Mom insists on visiting her home, now is the time to use what are called "theraputic fibs", like saying the street is all torn up as it is being repaired.