My MIL has dementia and can't remember much. Her grandson is graduated next month. I wanted to ask if a trip by ferry (11/2 h) and bus (hour) and arrive 2 hours before would be a good idea. I will not drive over it is too hard to get on ferries on weekends. It would be good for her to see her grandson graduate but my son and I might be driven crazy. She is very repetitive and demanding. She is not easy to be around. There is no other way for her to go. It is a day trip but will start at 6 am (she does not get up til at least 10 am every day) and we will probably be back after 4. I must be crazy to try this. She will probably not end up going but not sure if I should do it. Thanks
Enjoy the day, it only happens once.
Is this an indoor or outdoor ceremony? If indoor she would likely get too cold. If outdoor the heat too much. What is the size of the graduating class? Too many variables to consider to make this trip pleasant for her and you.
Leave her home.
It may be detrimental for your MIL to cope with the travel. I would not do it.
Take a video if you wish.
A good day for someone with dementia is a day that is just like yesterday and the day before that and the day before that. Consistency from the time she gets up and the routine that follows. (same time for breakfast maybe even the same foods through to dinner and bed time and the same people) To get her up early get her into a car, onto a bus will be confusing at best and frightening as well. Not to mention all the noise all the people.
Do yourself a favor enjoy your son's graduation. Let your son enjoy his graduation this is his day. He can go visit grandma later with his diploma.
Is this your nephew who is graduating or your son?
Take a video or ask the school if they will be doing a live broadcast of the graduation. I know my kid's high school did a live stream of the graduation as does the university I attend.
She will be much happier in familiar surroundings and you will be able to enjoy the event if she stays home.