Friend with Alzheimer’s is now having trouble playing with our team. How do I tell her husband it is time for her to quit?

Mbld, thank you for coming back! I'm sorry if we were unfair to you - it does happen that in the absence of information people can sometimes pick up an idea and run wild with it; but you've cleared everything up beautifully.

The trip hazard seems to be the practical problem; so I googled accessible bocce ball* and there are quite a lot of articles about it including:

Cape must upgrade bocce court's accessibility - NBC-2.com WBBH ...
www.nbc-2.com/story/14273055/.../cape-bocce-court-not-handicap-accessible-enough
17 Mar 2011 - Cape Coral is facing possible legal action if a city bocce ball court isn't ...

Is there an accessible court where your team plays? Might you be able to get one set up?

Then there is your friend's sadness and frustration, perhaps because she's losing her train of thought during rounds? That is of course much more difficult to relieve; but perhaps your opposing team might agree to her being "buddied" by one other player who can guide her throughout; and perhaps you could each take it in turns to do this?

Looking ahead, I know you can get nice, well-made indoor boules sets because my toddler son dropped the jack from mine into my crystal vase and shattered the base of it - ! It's not just elders who can be problematic around this game :)

I agree that you might want to discuss the lady's difficulties with her husband, but listen rather than talk to him. He'll want to ensure that she benefits from the socialisation for as long as possible, and he'll be hugely relieved to know that you're all willing to help him find a way to let her back off slowly without losing face or contact with you.

High five! Hope you find a way.

*what is bocce ball??? You learn something every day! - thank you :)

I seem to recall reading that a major issue in some forms of dementia is misperception of thresholds between rooms and on other services. I don't know if it would help, but you might consider using brightly colored duct tape at the lip of the court while you play.

mdld3207: Yes, thanks for returning. Lawn bowling is such a beautiful sport. Perhaps you can pull this friend aside and ask if you can help her. I have friends who are bocce experts and live in Cali. Note to Countrymouse.