How many of us still take our parents out and about? Should she be out?

I used to take my 73 yo mom out all the time to the grocery store but unfortunately, it has become more difficult as the AD has advanced. My concern with her is having a natural affinity towards babies and children. She often goes right up to them and starts touching. I try to show a card discreetly that states she has dementia to parents but sometimes she is too quick. Now when Mom hears a baby or child crying, she will take off trying to find them. I have used distraction such as pushing the cart, engaging her in shopping and other techniques. If I have my husband or daughter with me, it is better but takes planning. No hurrying; we are on Alzheimer’s time! We do visit grandchildren, (have to watch her), go for car rides and she is going to adult/senior care. Being outside is good too. Kindness and patience to all.

You're doing a wonderful job of keeping your Mom engaged! I think we just have to take our cues from our loved ones and adjust as needed. We took my Mom everywhere with us until it became too difficult for her - it was like sensory overload or something. When she no longer enjoyed it, we found other activities that she liked - going for a drive to get an ice cream cone, or to look at a beautiful garden, etc.. Don't worry about other people - keep taking her out as long as y'all can!

No, you are not trying too hard and yes, you should not worry about what others say or think. I have found/interacted with more and more people who have had some experience with this, so more and more understand. For those who haven't, perhaps they need some exposure (especially those family members we read about in threads here who DON'T understand mom or pop's condition!!)

So long as you can manage it and she is enjoying it, KEEP DOING IT! Too many become reclusive. Dad did and then later mom started making excuses not to join the other ladies at the Senior Center hooplas, trying to cancel doctor appointments or refusing to go, etc. Back when she lived alone still and even now in MC she might light up if you mention going out somewhere to eat, even something like pizza or she might suggest it (really mom? you JUST ate!) Anything else? Nope, especially doctor/dentist appointments!

As far as odd behavior, noises, etc, do you ever go shopping when people bring their kids? The obnoxious ones who the parents don't watch over??? When my kids were a little older, maybe preteen, they would see these kids who were unsupervised behaving badly and ask if they were like that. My response was a resounding NO, and followed up with 'If you were like that, I wouldn't bring you along!'

We actually were eating at a fast food place once where a man (adult, not elderly, not dementia) kept making the most loud obnoxious noises, like trying to get something up and grossed my daughter out so much she refused to eat anymore! Perhaps he had a medical condition, perhaps he just had something stuck somewhere, but it was very loud and nasty! There was no way to block it out or ignore it. Otherwise, most of the time people are, as others noted, wrapped up in their own business or conversations and don't notice much going on around them. It isn't like your mom is loudly blurting out obscenities. You could choose times where there might be fewer people around, however less people = less background noise, so mom's mutterings might be even more noticeable. You can explain if you want to, but if they don't ask, I wouldn't bother.

I would just keep taking her out and enjoy the times you have left with her! It does, so the experts say, help keep the mind engaged and can defer the inevitable for a little while longer.

I wish we could take mom out more. It was hard enough before when she was using a walker, but after a few non-injury tumbles she started refusing to walk, has trouble even standing up and I cannot support her weight. Keep on taking mom places - you won't regret it! If it becomes too much in "busy" places (sometimes the noises, lights, people, etc can bring on some anxiety), stick to walking in the neighborhood or a nice park. If/when she has trouble walking, you can try using walkers, rollators or transport chair.

You should not worry about what others think. These are little tics that your mother has developed over time. Since no one person is perfect, except Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, you aren't to be concerned with it.

I will absolutely agree with taking her out as long as you can. I would only add to take pictures of each outing. I failed to do that and I regret it.

I think bringing your mom while she is still mobile  out is the absolute BEST  thing ever for both of you. People may stop and stare occasionally but I don't think mean any harm to anyone & most people are really  kind especially in restaurants. My mom had dementia and multiple health problems for 6yrs and passed away just over a year ago and  the most precious memories that comfort me and take me away from my grief  are when we packed up the car and headed to shops, cafes, drives away from care  needs and carers. No meds, pads, routines to torment her, we  even had  McDonalds in the car with mess everywhere !  It was a little bit of normality and stimulation, no one wants to be a patient 24 hrs a day,. It was fun and I would continue to go out and about as long as your Mom is getting pleasure from it . My Mom  would be so sick for wks but once she got on her feet we d take off in the car if she was able. So best of luck and enjoy your days out

I say take her. As long as you can manage it. Sending you good thoughts and wishing you loads of patience. It takes a lot of patience. :)
As for onlookers-pffft-screw them. This is her normal right now. That's all that matters and as for society-Normal normal is overrated. I would rather sit next to you and your Mother in a restaurant with her mumbling or making some noises than next to a bunch loud obnoxious a**holes any day.

Keep taking her as long as you can manage -
mom used to say she wasn't a house plant

Normal society is over rated.
I enjoy seeing seniors out with their daughters or caregivers. (or sons if ever I would see that.) Lunch is very busy at some places.