Around 1 or 2 the loved one starts requesting to "go home" even though he is at home. Becomes agitated at times. "Ramping Up" on the move constantly like he is working. Moving about the property like he is working on cattle or repairing something, but isn't doing anything...becoming a safety issue.
Yes , unfortunately free people sometimes just cannot adapt. My father coulnd either.
Sundowning is a real challenge - agitation can be curbed by medication and bright light and chores. They want to GO and nothing will stop them for a few hours. I used to just ride it out every afternoon with my mom - until it was all day and she was down the street. then i had to hire help.
Ask the doctor if there is something to take the edge off without sedating him.
I do apologize if I touched a nerve.....I tend to be snarky as I have been the girl minion my entire life.
At the nursing home where I unfortunately had to put my father in there is a "bird pavilion" with many feeders and bird houses. There is also a "Japanese Garden" with many walking paths. The best thing, I think is they have raised potting benches where people can pot plants from their wheel chairs, walkers, etc. I think that is great, but I cannot get my person to engage. Unfortunately some types of dementia leave you with someone who is unhappy and unsatisfied...and is unwilling try. :(
Keep up the wonderful suggestions! You are a gem!
Men lend a different angle to gardening - pick up an issue of Fine Gardening and you'll see that men are major contributors. Maybe you can convince your father to take an interest if he can see it as a macho activity.
And yes, as Garden Artist said, any challenge to stop this results in a rage. If your elder is a little more open...can he mow a patch of lawn or pot a few plants? I could not get my dad to do that because it was "women's work"...haha
I wish I had better advise for you, but be vigilant and treat yourself well because keeping these old guys "warm, safe and dry" is what we have to do no matter if they like it or not.
Challenging the delusion only makes them angry.
To avoid injury while your loved one is "ramping up", give him a project to work on that requires staying in one place as long as possible, such as packing towels or clothes.