Looking for recommendations of in home care (really more someone who can keep him company, drive him to the grocery store, etc. Because he has been encouraged not to drive he sits at home all day and watches TV. Also interested in any ideas others have on things he can do that get him out of the house and socializing with others. He has his good days and bad with his memory and I want to ensure he is getting the right amount of exercise & social interaction while others are at work/school during the day. Thank you for your ideas!
We had a volunteer come in a few hours a week so I could get out. Later we had a personal care attendant every day. But neither of these people could drive my husband anywhere, for liability reasons.
A rehab place in our area sponsored a golf league for people with handicaps. My husband joined that. They played 9 holes once a week. The catch with that was I had to drive him there.
He bowled with a Senior League. The other bowlers were very protective of him, and helpful. I had to drive him there at first but one of the ladies in the league lived nearby and she'd pick him up and bring him back.
My husband went to an adult day health program that provided transportation both ways.
There is now a Memory Cafe once a month in our area. Google that and see if there is one in your area. There is also a singing group for persons with dementia. Their caregivers must accompany them.
Our Senior Center is not staffed to deal with folks who have dementia, need help with the bathroom, etc. But they have a schedule of card playing, bunco, simple and more complex games. I think my husband would have been OK there for an hour or so. But transportation was an issue.
Sometimes regular "senior" activities are suitable; sometimes a person with dementia really needs more oversight. A person who wanders has special needs for a secure environment.
In this aspect a care facility has much to offer that isn't generally available at home. They have exercise sessions, many craft activities, bingo, live entertainment, an onsite barber, movies, etc. An adult day health program provides many of these opportunities, too.
Several ideas come to mind for your Dad. Can you look into Adult Day care? Some of the ones in my area provide transportation to the center. Companion care can be provided by a stay at home parent. Or an out of work neighbor. A college student in the area - especially one studying in the health care field.
I volunteer with a few organizations that work with seniors and we are not permitted to drive with the clients in our cars! A liability issue! But that doesn't mean a private provider can't do it. Does he have friends in the area? Typically, it is hard to see a friend go down the dementia lane. BUT It can be easier for them if 2 come to watch the game with him on TV, or take him to a little league field to watch the kids game. (Or part of it, the entire game may be too much!)
There is a great deal of experience shared on this site. If you use the search box with key words, you often find great ideas. And, if you have time, perhaps you can expand your profile to indicate your dad's age and living arrangements. It helps give other posters a better idea of the situation.