Caring for Father on Father’s Day

Although my father didn’t have Alzheimer’s, he declined physically and needed assistance in his daily living.  Much of this fell to Mother, before her Alzheimer’s years, and then to me.  My father-in-law was affliced by dementia in his last months.

On Father’s Day, we recall them and all they meant in our lives.  I recall, too, in later years, visiting Mother at the nursing home and watching other families spend time with their fathers on this day.

Even though you might like to take your father home, or out to eat, their entrapment by Alzheimer’s makes them very confused.  So it’s happier for all to have your celebration at the nursing home.

This can take on various forms:

*Perhaps the nursing home has a special brunch or dinner.

*If the weather is nice, take him for a walk or wheel chair stroll around the grounds.  Some have very pleasant nooks where families can stop and visit and reminisce.

*Bring grandchildren along who will make cards for him.

*Share family photos…there may be glimpses of recognition.

*Bring in some of his favorite foods.

If you’d find encouragement by learning how other daughters faced the challenges of caring for a father with dementia, you might like to read Brenda Avadian’s, Where’s My Shoes? My Father’s Walk Through Alzheimer’s