Your daughter’s getting married. Your dad really wants to attend. It’s normal to feel anxious that he’ll be okay in a large gathering. People with Alzheimer’s usually struggle with noise, crowds, and a lot of activity.
Rather than leave your dad out of the festivities, give it a try. With a little advanced planning, there are ways to attend a large event without your dad becoming agitated and causing a scene.
Request a Corner Table
Request that your dad is seated at a table with you and others he knows and trusts. Try to get that table in a corner where he can be faced away from people. If he can’t see the other people, the crowds may not bother him as much. When possible, a table that’s in a corner and near doors is also ideal. This will depend on the venue.
Carry Business Cards That Explain the Situation
Print up business cards that explain your dad’s disease. A simple card that says “This is my dad, John Doe. He suffers from Alzheimer’s. If he speaks too loudly, asks too many questions, or seems abrupt, please know it’s the disease. He’s not trying to be rude. Thank you for your understanding.”
Your dad may not want you telling people in front of him. A business card looks like a normal swap of contact information. He won’t know, but the fellow guest will understand.
Allow Extra Time for Getting Ready
It’s going to take longer for your dad to get ready. Tell him you need to leave an hour before you do. This gives you extra time. If he’s ready earlier, you can always take a more scenic route to the venue or stop for bathroom breaks along the route.
Aim for a Smooth Ride
People with Alzheimer’s can become car sick. To avoid motion sickness, it’s recommended that you keep your eyes on the horizon. People with Alzheimer’s forget that. A loss of balance can also lead to motion sickness.
Your dad may do better in the backseat where he’s not seeing oncoming traffic, trees, and buildings rushing straight at him. If you know motion sickness is a problem, talk to his doctor beforehand and see if there are medications that can help during the car ride.
Be Prepared to Leave Early
If your dad becomes agitated, you don’t want it to ruin the day. Be prepared to leave early. Explain in advance to the hosts that if you disappear, it’s because your dad wasn’t comfortable.
Hire a senior care professional to accompany you for the day. With another experienced person on hand, you can stay and celebrate while a caregiver drives him home. Learn more by calling At Your Side today.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Katy, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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