Should we take Mom with Alzheimer's/dementia with us to a party with our friends?

LWB, I hope all goes well what ever your decision. Some do OK, some do not, as the one with her, even for the visit, you will get some insight.

Be Well

Lizann, I agree with you . I had a lot of support in the beginning, yet, they did drop off. I get it, I even tried early on dating, did not go well. I do feel that some people will ask, in hopes that one will not bring the one who is ill. I found that while I took her to many events prior, now that I really need some time off I am never invited anymore. Let's face it, when people get together the hope is to have fun, talk to that person who is always busy, and just enjoy. Now, I have very little if any of that. I realized NOT, talking about my issues with her was very important, in that, others have their own lives, and issues. We, meaning most people, have such busy lives so enjoy when we can. I hope all goes well for LWB. I hope she let's us know, for , there is no wrong decision, just the one you make. Best to all!!

Well, everything went very well! She was very sweet, pleasant and appropriate. All of our friends were very receiving of her and she thoroughly enjoyed just listening to all the conversations. We stayed 3 hours and she came home, took a bath and went to bed. Pooped but happy. Thank you everyone for your feedback. It really helped us!

I am happy to hear all went well!

Wonderful news! This shows that every situation is different. We have to weigh the pros and cons and make the decision based on that day. We won't always have great results, but sometimes it's worth taking a little risk. I'm thrilled for you and for your mom.
Carol

That's lovely, lwb - and even if she doesn't remember the party by next week, it will still have been something that gave everyone, including her at the time, great pleasure. So nice to hear good things!

How hard/easy is it to learn "personal care skills"-bathing, dressing, mobility, toileting, etc. My mother's not there yet, except for some help getting up or down from a chair, or in and out of a car. Can a family member be trained to do what a "home health services" worker does?

Daisy, Certified Nurse Assistant training will teach many skills. But, as a family member you have training, years of it and KNOW your family member. There isn't a agency caregiver that can provide the care family members do. Even as the disease progresses health care workers can train family members to do all sorts of medical procedures.

Daisymae, what an interesting question - I've lost count of the number of times I've mentioned to people that I really wouldn't mind a crash course in things like safe handling, back care and the like. No luck so far! But if I ever find out how you get hold of this kind of training (which after all is pretty basic and shouldn't take too long or cost too much) I will pass it on.

I agree with Glad that you do tend to pick things up as you go along, and if your mother is used to your assistance that helps too. But wouldn't it be nice to get ahead of the curve?! :)

I am so glad I took my mom to the party, and we have that memory of it going so well. She did pass away last month. Still smiling and loving up until the very end until Jesus came and took her home!

I guess I am lucky that several of my friends have been down this road and/or still on it. My parents get invited to alot of things with us.. Mom is still sharp and enjoys getting out. Dad with ALZ just likes people. we gals from work have a christmas candy making day... and my mom is comming this year. Dad can hang out with the hostesses 74 year old hubs and his brother with ALZ. They will watch Bonnaza or Walker TX ranger,, and mom will dip chocolat with the rest of us gals! I am thinking this is good for Mom.. and dad too!