My elderly Mom used to be more engaged but this last year she spends more and more time in bed and nothing else. I have talked with the doctor and psychiatrist. She says she is not depressed, just not feeling well. I am sympathetic as she is almost 89, but seeing her in bed all the time in the small place we share is depressing me. Can anyone suggest anything? Other than moving out to another place I find I cannot change her behavior. Maybe only how I react to it. I don't know what 88 is like. If you are taking care of someone with a similar situation, please let me know. Thank you..
I also 'rearranged' the times of day she was taking her meds. Some of her meds caused her to be more drowsy, and with the doc's ok, they were switched to be given after 5pm, instead of the morning hours.
Having her engaged in some activity also helps. I had a home health aid stop by 2week for several hours each time - it gave an opportunity for mother to talk to someone 'new'; also, I would get her books from the library (large print), would take her for rides - even if it was for an hour or two - just for a change of scenery. Having her talk to the remaining living friends once a week gave her something to look forward to, as did the numerous cards and letters from friends.
But overall, seniors who are no longer living an active life do tend to sleep more due to lack of mental stimulation but also the body slowing down. Staying active, if one can, is critical - yes, I know a 89 yo who still walks 5 miles every day, and a 93 yo who volunteers 3x week at the local kitty shelter and does fundraising for them - these ladies have no sleep issues whatsoever. But these are the exception. So, once a senior goes to alf or snf, I think it is up to family and friends to help as much as possible.