My MIL with dementia seems to be bored at night in her ALF. Any ideas?

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I will assume that she has Dementia. Yes, they have a problem sitting. TV doesn't keep their attention because they really can't follow a plot.
My Mom would take her clothes out of the closet and put them in the dirty clothes. I would remove the thread. She probably has no idea how to use it anymore. I left nothing Mom could hurt herself with. I carried nail clippers and nail files in my car.

More information about your mother's situation will help those with similar situations share their experiences.

How do the clothes get wet, for example.

Does the ALF offer any evening activities? (Live entertainment, bingo, read-aloud sessions? Movies?)

When is dinner in that facility? When is Mom's usual bedtime?

My MIL's ALF has no night time activities. Dinner is over by 6:00 so afterwards she goes to her room. The ALF cleans and does her laundry once a week. She does have Dementia. Her hobby is sewing so taking away her buttons and threads could be a big issue. She washes her clothes in the shower and will use all of her body wash. I just can't keep of with this madness. I know it's the disease. She's not hurting herself however just realizing now that we found a wet shirt in her microwave. She doesn't know how to use but if she continues to play with it then maybe she'll get it working. Should we tell the staff to take it away just incase?

I’m wondering if Mom isn’t bored, but Sundowning. What she’s doing seems like what someone would do if they were agitated and anxious. Maybe a meds adjustment?

I would take the microwave out if she doesnt know how to use it.

Sorry for what you guys are going through, it may be frustrating but it will all work out and be okay.
Just a few ideas.....
This may be a long shot but maybe something like crochet art kits, the one's for kids are easy to use and don't involve sharp needles so it's safer... or adult coloring books or water paint color art, the ones you paint using water onto art pieces then the color shows up automatically that way there are no accidents? Maybe jewelry art?

You could also use some sort of bin for her dirty laundry that's not easy for her to open.. idk if they make them but maybe a diaper bin with some sort of kid proof device, and inform the staff so that only they can open it during laundry time.

Maybe switch her body wash to bar soap? I can imagine it being harder to use up all the bar soap at night as easily as shower gel. But bar soap is also easier to drop during a shower and trip / slip on if she showers without assistance. If it all becomes hazardous for her, maybe it will time to start looking into 24 hr supervised residential care homes, just in case.

Or... you could even hire a caregiver to go to her AL for a couple of hours after her dinner to keep her occupied and busy until she lays down, or until she gets into the habit of a new hobby which a caregiver could also help with.
I would def ditch the microwave.

Hope this helps a bit!

Try a fidget quilt—also known as fidget blankets. You can find them on Amazon or Etsy. Or if you know someone who sews, you can asked them to make one for you. They are really helpful for boredom and help sooth anxiety.

If your mom is in AL you are probably paying a small fortune, for which they should be providing activities or companionship, even if it's in a group, in the evenings. Maybe she could help resetting the tables for breakfast? Does she like puzzles of any kind? Has the AL introduced her to the other residents; maybe she find find a few to socialize with on a regular basis. Does she have a CD player? You could burn a disc of her favorite music.

Adult therapy Coloring books (dollar store ) watch that no snakes, monsters are in them, and metallic gel pens, as she sees the glitter while coloring it amazes them. Under $15. For 100 on Amazon or EBay,
Spiral bound Notepads to journal.
thick yarn she can finger knit or crochet. Crossword puzzle books.

Did she have a nightly routine that she followed when well? If so perhaps something similar could be put in place for her. Dad has a busyness issue and seems to think he has to do something every night, it’s been suggested to me that I employ LEGO play, towel folding, good suggestions. I tried sweeping but he doesn’t seem to grasp what to do there. He also seems to try to get his things together for work the following day.

I just ordered the Tangle Creations Tangle Therapy fidget from Amazon for my mom. Looks safe and uncomplicated.

Her concentration isn't enough to follow a tv programme anymore so try songs that she loved from many generations or what she grew up with - songs that are up beat are best - short ones with a 'story' in them like ballads are good but mix them up a lot - she probably can follow them as most are 3 minutes or under -

Get a large unit to play them on so it doesn't go 'walk about' when some other resident sees it or attach a small unit to a piece of furniture

I'm wondering why her clothes are wet and what is with the thread off the spools? Is she attempting to sew? She may be agitated. Check with her doctor.

I believe that she is washing her CLEAN clothes, not the dirty ones. That is most definitely a problem! If you go see her daily, you could limit the clothes she has in her closet and drawers. Maybe one outfit for the next day and one backup in your car.

I would have the microwave removed. She could put something metal in it. You may have to remove the shower gel, dish soap, et. all, unless someone can bring it with them - you or a companion. The soap and water could just as easily cause a fall, as clean her clothes.

At this point in her journey, it seems the best to limit her access to anything she can destroy or use inappropriately. Watch for hoarding food in unusual places also.