Mom has early dementia, ie, we have the same conversation daily and she forgets what she ate and gets mixed up with facts, names, dates.
Physically she's ok and independent and walks around the house.
I work p/t (4 hrs daily) and we have a neighbor to sit with mom.
My big worry is if the neighbor falls sick or goes to visit her grandkids,
I don't have backup care. I could take leave from my job but want to do this as a last resort.
So far mom has not walked out of the house or operated the stove since someone is always near her.
What are some creative ways to keep mom safe? But what if, God forbid, no one can be around her? She can use the phone. Do I put signs all over that I will be back? Do I get a webcam?
Are there agencies that can send someone at the last minute?
Thank you so much
Thank you
Have you looked into Adult Daycare or a seniors centre in your community? That could provide her with socialization, a meal and care, while you are at work.
I had a neighbour whose wife had vascular dementia after a serious stroke. He kept her at home for as long as he could. She was lovely, but could not tell the difference between girls and boys any longer. She slowly lost her speech. He took her to the Seniors Centre every day, where she had lunch and played Bridge. It was amazing that she kept the capacity to play Bridge and play it well. It also gave her husband a break.
Thank you for responding
There are different ways to deal with the stove. There are somewhat expensive devices you get that will automatically turn off the stove if someone isn't standing right there. I went with induction "burners". They are to stoves as microwaves are to ovens. They have temperature shutoff and will automatically shut off if there's not a pot on it. Unlike a traditional stove that will just keep going even if what's in the pot has boiled off, an induction stove will detect that the temperature is too high and then shut itself off. It's safer. You can get an induction burner for $40-$50. You will have to get induction compatible pots and pans, but that's another $50 for a big set.
Cameras are a good idea even when you are in the house. Just like with a baby monitor, it allows you to keep track of things without being in the same room.
Are you talking about the need to wash your hair or your LO's:-)))
She may promise you that she will not do certain things, like open door, leave house, etc. but, she will forget about it and not even realize she did it.
I would avoid leaving her alone though, because the risks are so great. It's not uncommon for people with dementia to wander off. My LO was a real homebody, but, even she started roaming. It was hard to believe.
The question is would you leave an 8 year old at home for 4 to 5 hours a day? You can tell them not to go outside, tell them not to turn on the stove, not to answer the door but..there is always the chance that they will answer the door when someone knocks, want to make a cup of soup, or go get the mail.
You can place cameras in the house to monitor what she is doing.
You can put an alarm on the door, or one of the video doorbells so you can monitor who comes to the door, who goes out or in.
It will come a time when she should not be left alone.
Most agencies can send someone last minute but "last minute" might be 1 to 2 hours readjusting schedules, locating someone that does not have a shift. And you would want someone that your mom knows, someone familiar with her schedule. You might want to get someone from an agency in now to take 1 day a week so that they get to know mom and so that you can work with the agency should you need someone more days.