My husband aged 74, retired academic, was diagnosed with vascular dementia about a year ago following a stroke 3 months earlier. Stroke had no physical impact all memory and cognition. Home after 9 days in hospital, lived at home for next with increasing sundowning type symptoms for 9 months until circumstances caused hospitalisation, 4months of which last 3 were in a specialist dementia assessment facility. Discharged at end August into a dementia/general nursing home.
I visit every day except Weds when a friend goes in to give me a day off. We go out to talks, art appreciation afternoon, French conversation, and for walks etc.
Leaving at the end of the pm has in the last fortnight become increasingly difficult. He says, right, I'll come with you/ let's go, I'm not staying here etc etc. I have tried different strategies, saying I have to go to work, or visit someone, doesn't head him off. I've tried distraction, leaving as they call people in for tea, or when an activity is happening, but it's just getting harder. Does anyone have any thoughts on/experience of this?