Hubby has gone to day program 4 times now over 3 weeks. First time understandingly not smooth. 2 and 3 times ok, last time a few days ago not so good. Once we pulled in and he realized where we were he said “oh lord”. I said “don’t you want to go help the ladies out again today?"
He said I guess I can. Once inside it was very difficult for me to leave. He knows I’m going to leave him there and said “I’m not staying today”.
It took 15 minutes or more but help was able to distract him so I could leave. Besides having a melt down in car at the thought of leaving him upset, not sure how to handle going back.
It took an hour but he settled down and was ok when I picked him up 3 hours later (thought he would be so mad at me).
Any suggestions on how to make this smoother going forward? The advice I have been given is to not tell him in advance that we are going or certainly don’t ask him if he wants to go. But he is aware of that I “spring” this on him every time and never ask him.
Prayers
Also: how about a joint reward on the way home: an ice cream cone, stop at McDonald’s, etc. That might help.
I am sure you are having a more difficult time of this than he is.
Is it possible to have someone meet him at the door and say right away "George, I am so glad you are here today. I need your help with something"
This would give him purpose right away.
Daycare ran Mom $85 a day. You could take that money and pay someone to watch DH while u shop or have lunch with the girls. Maybe u can find another retired man to sit with DH.