She takes only Namenda XR 28mg and Lisinopril so her refusal to most types of personal interaction or any mental stimulation is frustrating. As her caregiver and son I think I must face the reality of the devastation of this disease as she will not partake of any activities she once did. Is there anything else I can do to get her physically or socially engaged?
If your mother was once social, then you could ask the doctor to experiment with her medications. There may be other options.
However, sometimes we have to accept that these diseases take their course and we can only do so much. Forcing what the person obviously doesn't want isn't helpful.
Offering suggestions - yes - so continue to do that. I'm certain that the AL staff does the same. But you can't make it happen if it's not going to happen. Offer all of the support that you can.
Take care of yourself, too.
Carol
I would encourage her if she is up to it, but not insist. I would just try to add some pleasantries as described upthread, like showing her old photos, listening to music together or quietly watching tv. I would let her to what seems to make her content.
Most days my mom lies in bed. I thought i was interrupting her nap so I tried different times--same thing. But she rallies and plays cards.
It is what it is. Sometimes we just have to practice acceptance.
Perhaps the person enjoyed dancing. This lending itself to exercise and socialization. It does not matter if the step are not quite right or the rhythm is lost in the activity. What is most important is providing this person with exercise and socialization. This activity can be reproduced at home, in a senior center or many other venues.
Perhaps the person suffering dementia has an activity of gardening. To facilitate this activity it will require some out of the box thinking. Are there areas of your yard or balcony which will lend themselves to this activity. Next it is important the planting and care meet the person's heigth. Look for ways to put the pots or gardens at waist height for the person. This will make it easier and far less worry when taking part in this activity. Look for activities within the communities; the Master Gardener Programs, walking in botanical gardens and taking the time to allow for enjoyment of this walk or when a job such as painting or creating an art exhibit tying moving of this activity to another locations along with a picnic lunch. As you can review each of these activities, be sure, they are geared to different forms of ability on the part of the person. Remember they do not need to run a marathon only that the activity will get them on their feet to exercise their body or mind. Try very hard to connect this activity to a socialization activity at the same time. This will provide the benefits of each (exercise and socializing) for the person. One of the most neglected parts of life in this person's life, besides exercise, is socializing.