The first week at home went better than expected. My brother was there to help my mom transition home and she seemed to be developing a nice bond with Ace.

While she was settling, the next thing on the list was to set up the house for safety. This was the house that all eight of us grew up in. It is large, with stairs, many doors to the outside, and a large swimming pool in the back. Although it was a wonderful home to grow up in, it was not the best setup for an 89-year-old woman who is extremely active but with poor safety awareness. So, we took precautions by installing locks on the doors, security cameras, and gates for the stairs.

One of the things I was worried about since my mom moved back home is missing out on all the socialization and programming offered at the assisted living. We had to find ways to keep her active socially, physically, and cognitively. One of the biggest risks of being at home is becoming sedentary and isolated. In fact, there is ample research demonstrating that socialization and activities can slow the progression of dementia. When I hear my clients say that their loved ones are spending all their time in front of the television or napping, I provide guidance on ways to engage in personalized meaningful activities that are tailored based on the stage of dementia they are in.

We found that several senior centers host memory cafés. A Memory Café is a safe and comfortable space where caregivers and their loved ones can socialize, listen to music, play games, and enjoy other appropriate activities. They provide mutual support and exchange information. This, by itself, is valuable, if for nothing else.”

For more information on Memory Cafes in your area, click on this link to the Dementia Society of America

Memory Cafe Directory – Dementia-Friendly Outings for All!

In addition to the Memory Cafe, we signed my mom up at some of the local senior centers for their daily programs such as bingo, music, and art.

We made a schedule that allows her to get out of the house every day to experience these programs.

Although optimism was high and things were looking good, I was a bit weary of how my mom was going to respond once my brother returned to his home in California and she remained in the home with only the caregiver.