In regard to Darci's request to share experiences in care giving, I have found that a lot of the suggestions like puzzles, games, movies, book reading, drawing, etc. doesn't really work for me. I am the caregiver for my wife and she is either unable or does not like these activities. She likes going for car rides and housework. We no longer have the children and grandchildren come over to our house for holiday meals. The stress is too much for her. We now take turns having these meals at one of our children's houses on a rotating basis. During these visits, my wife spends most of her time in the kitchen, cleaning, doing dishes, etc. She doesn't take direction so you have to go along with what she wants to do. She keeps very busy and is fairly productive. It seems cruel letting her working instead of visiting, but it is what she wants to do. So, we just go along with it. Traveling to our children's houses is what she really enjoys. She likes talking about all the barns with new roofs, houses with new siding, farms with silos but missing barns, etc. This seems strange but I think it is important to find out what the care recipient really enjoys and try to furnish it. I would welcome any comments on this situation.
