My husband always liked country music so I have video Tapes and DVDs of his favorites in concert. Also he likes Benny Hill and always laughs when I play those tapes (we have about 10). Finding something related to his past interests is best way to go.
Silence and a chocolate chip cookie. That's right, silence. Chew gum, whistle, sing along with the radio, but if there is one thing a man appreciates, it is a Silent Woman with a chocolate chip cookie. Many a man left his wife and kept his dog because the dog never said a word.
Contact the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, they will be able to give you information on behavior management including calming techniques. Music is a great way to calm, you can also use scenic DVD's or maybe listen to books on tape if he liked to read. Look at his past interests and modify those activities, for instance if he liked to build or repair things, you can purchase pvc pipes for him to put together or you can attach to a board a lock and chain, a slide bolt, a light switch etc and make an activity board. If there is a local adult medical day care near you, check it out, he may enjoy attending and having a chance to socialize and keep busy. It would also give you a break. If he is more agitated in the late afternoon or evening, try behavioral interventions first but if that doesn't work, speak with his physician about his agitation; the doctor may prescribe a low dose of a medication that would help the agitation. Sometimes you learn what works through trial and error, if one thing doesn't work, try something else. Good luck.
My mother has dementia and now lives with me and my 2 little bichons. These little dogs love her and they make all the difference in the world to her. They love to snuggle with her and sit on her lap and make her feel loved and wanted. Maybe you should consider getting a therapy dog for your husband.
I am a CHHA working with a client with memory loss, she is a TALKER: from 7 AM when she gets up till 10 PM when she goes to bed nonstop. There is never silence, and it is just a repetition of everything. I am not a talker, I do respond and chat with her but it is really getting to me. I have no time for myself, you have to make eye contact at all times when she is talking,I cannot look away or she asks ,what are you thinking? I thought you are here for my company .If I am in my room she comes in, sit on my bed and talk, talk, talk. How do you suggest I deal with this? Thank you. I anxiously await your response.
I am a CHHA working with a client with memory loss, she is a TALKER: from 7 AM when she gets up till 10 PM when she goes to bed nonstop. There is never silence, and it is just a repetition of everything. I am not a talker, I do respond and chat with her but it is really getting to me. I have no time for myself, you have to make eye contact at all times when she is talking,I cannot look away or she asks ,what are you thinking? I thought you are here for my company .If I am in my room she comes in, sit on my bed and talk, talk, talk. How do you suggest I deal with this? Thank you. I anxiously await your response.
Roseie, can you get her to watch movies? My mother-in-law never watched them, but once I started to rent movies from the library for her, she really enjoyed them. I'd get her to watch two a day, best two bucks ever spent for four hours of quiet! I'd rent 10-15 at once, most are free (maybe the Downton Abby series, it's long). You could also blast the oldies, also known as music therapy lol, we both love that too. I use Pandora on my phone and carry a small quality speaker with me. I'd also keep moving, cleaning, cooking, vacuuming, gardening....
Many a man left his wife and kept his dog because the dog never said a word.
little dogs love her and they make all the difference in the world to her. They love to snuggle with her and sit on her lap and make her feel loved and wanted.
Maybe you should consider getting a therapy dog for your husband.