I simply can't afford adult day care for DH. Any suggestions?

You might consider easy to play games like dominoes.   I have a tri-omino game which I find relaxing.  It's basically dominoes, but the playing pieces are triangular instead of rectangles.   

My father used to spend a lot of time reading, period magazines such as Reminisce, Country, Farm and Ranch, and the "Extra" versions of the first two.    I've been reading one of the Farm and Ranch magazines and find it very soothing, especially the photos of beautiful open land.   

It's also an interesting insight into farming, getting up well before dawn to feed the animals and do chores, off to work for those who aren't full time farmers or ranchers, then home to work again.  I couldn't maintain that kind of schedule, and I end up feeling lucky that I grew up in suburban areas.

Solitaire with real cards is another potential activity.

The Alz. Assn. used to have a page full of potential activities.   You might check that out; I don't know if it's still available though.

Many men enjoy sorting nuts and bolts…but really, you got it on the activities.

It’s not just the activities, it’s also the socialization and the fact that you, too, need time away from him for even the absolutely necessary stuff like doctors, banks, the store. There’s a risk in leaving someone for even a minute.

The adult day care sounds like the best solution.

Ask about Medicaid. They may pay partial or all of it depending on your income. I placed Mom in one using her money 3x a week. Mon, Wed and Friday. The bathed her for me. Also brought in physical therapy to keep her moving. It is expensive but gave us some freedom fro 8 to 3.

You are doing a great job at home. And...adult day health programs provide more sources of stimulation, create situations where your DH can interact with the supportive environment around him without your presence, and gives you a block of time that is for YOU. The 2 day/week requirement is because going only 1 day/week ends up feeling like a new experience every time for the participants, which is stressful.
As time goes on, your DH will need more and more assistance, and there will be times when you won't be able to be with him/help him.
Their charge sounds reasonable to me, but that may depend on where you live. Perhaps it is time to do some advanced care planning for DH's future needs, and times when you cannot provide all of his care.
Good luck to both of you.

Hi Helen. For someone diagnosed as long ago as DH was, it seems like YOU are doing a very good job with him.

As long as he’s peaceful and reasonably compliant, his regular routine AND TV sound like a pretty good mix, within the boundaries of what you can do yourself.

Some of the day cares around here invite entertainers, small children, animal visits, interesting things that encourage socialization and attention.

There is a church sponsored group around here. I’m going to find out what they charge so you can make a comparison.

Is your husband a Veteran? If so the VA may pay for the Day Care.
You can check with your local Area Agency on Aging and see if he qualifies for any services that may pay for care or a reduced cost day care.
Check with your local Senior Center they may also have programs that would be a good fit for him.