My mother-in-law (MIL) has had her cognitive abilities decline a bit over the last year. My wife is even more concerned than ever now and that puts a lot of pressure on me. I try to get the kids and cousins to get involved in the companionship and talk to the MIL, but no one seems to care. How can I get the rest of the family to care? Everyone is remote from the MIL and maybe visits once a year. I know that's not enough given the current situation. The MIL uses a flip-phone and email sparingly, but people don't care enough to spare the 4-5 minutes a week to show the love. Am I the only one feeling this sadness? What tools do you use to get more to speak with Grandma or your senior in your life?
Has anyone tried any of the following?
Grandpad: https://www.grandpad.net/
Luminary: https://www.luminaryconnect.com/ref?=aging
Do you think these would work?
What worked/didn't work with anyone else? Keep in mind, my MIL is hesitant about technology and always thinking she's going to get "hacked"...
So who's going to step in and move her closer to them? (And of course if MIL hasn't been declared mentally incompetent, no one is going to be able to maker her do anything.)
All you can do is suggest. I agree maybe you should try a Senior Center or Daycare. Just so MIL has some interaction. If she is low income, Medicaid may pay part or all of it.
Or assisted living so she will have others to spend her days and time with.
How old is MIL? You are too busy? Others probably are as well.