Every time I turned around, I would bump into him which gave me claustrophobia but it was all the 'why are you doing that?', 'how come?' and if asked if he wanted something specific to eat 'I don't know" until he saw me eating it and then would say 'I will have some of that'. I go to bed at night and it is like when I use to roller skate and got off the skates and felt like I was still skating b/c I close my eyes and all I hear is a cacophony of the days questions. He is not far enough along to agree to the great suggestions that have been given.
Speaking of keeping a person busy ... The women at a local church made Activity Aprons. The apron hangs around the neck and can be tied in the back. On the front of the apron are a zipper, a set of keys, a set of beads, buttons, and a pocket with a small stuffed animal. These things were sewn onto the apron and the ends were covered with a small patch.
This reminds me of my mom right now (mid to final stage) this summer she was following me around constantly. I would finally get her to sit down to watch America's Funniest Home Videos and I would head to the kitchen to try to get some of my work done when one of my kids would start talking to me, I'd give them the whisper signal but it was too little too late...she was right back behind me...LOL!
When this happened with Mom, the only time she would pay attention to anything was when she was in close proximity to me. This did not abate until her doctor prescribed a medication to balance the obsessiveness.
The above all all good ideas ... also, a doll baby to hold and care for, or the big yarn projects for toddlers (lacing with holes) - even water colors with paper for painting. Think of how you would care for a toddler as it sounds like she is in a later stage of dementia. Or there is an underlying fear that you may not be aware of and if she is conversational you may want to ask her about this. Hope that helps!
Have you asked her why she is following you? At stage 1 this is really unusual. Give her something to occupy her mind, enroll her in a senior day care center for socialization, get her in an exercise program, etc. If you don't use your brain, you will lose it...
Those are good ideas! Sounds like she could use something to hold onto... If not a live pet in your home, do you think you could try and find some stuffed animals she would like? It makes little kids feel safer... just an idea. Have some around and see if she picks anyone up.
Give her socks to sort and roll up; undies to fold; a big-piece jigsaw puzzle to put together on a tray; towels to fold; hard-boiled eggs to peel; digital recordings of the Lawrence Welk Show; her favorite performers; potatoes to peel; hand her all the plastic baggies you get at the store -- her job's to roll them in a little ball; have her pick lint off things out of the dryer; rinse and repeat.
Keep her busy.
Doesn't make any difference if you have to re-do what she does or don't need it done. If she has some little something to do? Her focus may be on that instead of your lil' self.
I'm gonna have to try making my mom one of those aprons : )
Keep her busy.
Doesn't make any difference if you have to re-do what she does or don't need it done. If she has some little something to do? Her focus may be on that instead of your lil' self.
Good luck!