About who needs care: My father has vascular dementia which is worsening. This is compounded by profound hearing loss in one ear and depression because of his memory issues. My stepmother is sole caregiver right now. The rest of our family is out of state and can help sporadically. It would be good for my stepmother to have help several times a week so she can leave my father to run errands, go to doctor's appointments, etc. She has two grandchildren (one a newborn) that are in Boston and would at times need someone to stay several days with him (including overnight) so that she could travel to see them. My father has few hobbies, but likes to putter in his workshop. He watches TV, the birds/bird feeders outside their house. He has some mobility issues due to peripheral neuropathy. He can walk, but doesn't always have good spatial sense when walking. I think the ideal day with my father would be spent keeping him company, perhaps engaging in some conversation or stimulating activities. I am trying to gather some information and possible resources to help my stepmother obtain some support and respite. About the care needs: Dry sense of humor. Warm, caring. Experience caring for people with memory issues/dementia. My dad used to golf, liked woodworking. His career was mechanical engineering. Services needed include: companionship.
Companionship