Follow
Share

My father has vascular dementia and heart disease. (mild dementia) But he has lots of energy and he is always making plans to go out of the house. Everyday he will say he needs to go to the bank, to the store, to the supermarket, to visit etc, a friend, etc. The point is he can´t go outside alone or he will have trouble coming back. And I don´t have time to carry him everywhere. All I can do is have a short walk with him everyday.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Your father's not a prisoner. If he wants to go out, he can go out. If he really needs to be accompanied (in which case I'm not sure it's mild dementia, exactly) then perhaps he can hire a cab driver or a companion to go with him, or you could look into voluntary services and charitable organisations locally who could help to keep him busy.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Enrol him in adult daycare, send him to the local seniors centre, or find him a hobby to do at home that will keep him occupied.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

I agree with others here. Find a way to get dad out. Look at daycare or senior center. If the cost of a caregiver is not in reach, see if you can find a volunteer...family, friends, church members, etc. When my mom was in that early moderate stage (early stage they can still function alone) my mom wanted to go out too. We took her to the movies, shopping, to work with us, to the zoo, botanical gardens, etc. Now that my mom is in the final stage, I would give anything to be able to take her out. Do it while you can.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

You're fortunate that he wants to get outside and walk. Exercise and fresh air are two of the best natural remedies for humans.

Check with your local senior center to see if they have a walking group; if not, ask if they know of any. Your father could walk with others who are apprised of his dementia, be cognizant of any wandering potential, and ensure that he sticks with the group. (Make sure he has an ID card with your contact info and his medical issues to carry with him.)

Someone could pick your father up from your home and bring him back when the walk is over.

Mall walking seems to have grown in popularity over the years. It's never appealed to me b/c I prefer nature to stores, but apparently others enjoy it. Some hospitals in this area even sponsor mall walking programs; you might even contact your local hospitals to see if there are such programs.

The VA has a volunteer service; I know it includes social visits, but I don't know if any of the volunteers are walkers. Our Senior Center also has a social visitor program.

This might not be a good solution, but are there any community gardens that need help? Libraries rely on volunteer help. Planting and weeding are good for the soul.

Try to view his need for outdoor exercise as a real boon; it'll help keep him active, oriented, and happier.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Paul, can your Dad budget to have a caregiver come over during the day, that way she can drive your Dad to wherever he wants to do. My Dad had that, and it was a lifesaver for me as Dad, even at 90+ wanted to get out of his house and go places. And the caregiver enjoyed taking Dad out.

Because before you know it, your Dad's dementia will get worse and he will no longer be able to go to the bank or the grocery store. Or visit a friend. Imagine if we were in his shoes.

Try to find some way to have Dad enjoy what freedom he now has. Does your area have senior bus service through the county? If you aren't sure, call your local county agency on aging.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Unfortunately my father has no Budget for a caregiver to carry him everywhere he wants. Doctor says it´s very dangerous for him to go out alone. (He is 86) I do my best to find some time in which we can go for a walk. Sometimes I think he is going through an anxiety period, and that's why he insists so much in going out everyday.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

My dad sounds like yours, go, go, go!
I don't take him places anymore except doctors appointments. It takes hours to get home because of everywhere he wants to "drive by". He has a homemaker come 3 days a week and only wants to shop or drive anywhere. He's on Medicaid...recently denied...I say he has Vascular dementia (at least I think it's vascular, definitely some type.  
Sorry you're going through this. Mentally exhausting isn't it?
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Paul, if Dad has enough equity in his house, this might be a good time for him to sell his house and move to senior living. With senior living Dad is around people from his own generation, and the senior living offers activities and their bus to go shopping.

The place where my Dad lived, one day was for Wal-mart, another day the grocery store, another day the Dollar Store, etc. Couple times a month they had lunch out for those who wanted to go.

If Dad can budget that from his home equity, that would be great.

Being active by going out does help with anxiety :)
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter