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Mom has started really fretting over what day of the week it is. She calls almost everyday asking if its Sunday and do we need to go to Mass. It started a few months ago only occasionally now its almost every day. In fact after we went to church yesterday she called that evening asking if it was Sunday. Anyway I've ordered a day of the week clock from a company called dayclox (good reviews). Has anyone experienced this? Any suggestions to help keep her oriented to the day? I have a chalk board by her phone where we write what day it is but she doesn't recall to check there. This seems to really upset her that she can't remember the day and then she feels bad about calling us. I know this is part of the progression of the loss but just want to help her anxiety if I can.

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Here is something we did -- I purchaed a large numbered calendar (if you can't find one make one!) and I tear off just the current month. I taped it to the refrigerator (or you can tape it to the table) -- someplace that she has to see everyday at eye level. I make sure the when the current day is done a strike through is put on that date. On the Sundays, I purchased "cross" stickers from Target, put them on the calendar and put a red circle around them. EVERYDAY, I say when we get to the cross it's time for church. She loves getting her clothes ready (really one of us does it) Saturday night. She gets up for her "coffe" early enough to see the calendar and know she has to go back to her room to get "ready". Of course, she forgets we even got any clothes ready, but she does not go alone to get dressed. I have discovered that if you do things as if you were teaching a toddler, they will often react the same way. You let them do whatever they can do themselves -- don't take it all away, and then you teach them other things over again. The repetition is helpful depending on what stage their condition is. If we break routine, we are near disaster and damage control is exhausting, but when we can get through a perfectly routine week, the moments of lucidity are priceless. I hope this helped spark an idea that will work for your mom.
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It may not be the day of the week that's upsetting her, it may be the panic elderly catholics feel when they think they may be in danger of missing Mass. I work with a senior community and it's not uncommon for residents with dementia show up at the reception desk dressed to go to Mass at 2 AM on a weekday. Honestly, I think it's some kind of phenomenon.

Instead of getting into a discussion about what day it is, it may help to focus on assuring her that she went to Mass on Sunday and doesn't go again for X days. Really, it may be 'Mass Anxiety' that's the culprit!
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Another option may be a talking clock that are available and mostly used by blind folks. Wondering if there is a phone service that calls and says "Good morning. Today is....... How about an automated message service that would call. If the family/caregive enters appointment information then it could say. "Good morning today is Sunday. Your daughter....will be picking you up for Mass at 9 am. Have a blessed day." Good morning today is Monday. You have a doctor's appointment at 10 am with Dr. Hogan. The elder bus will pick you up at 9 am and bring you home after appointment. Have a healthy day."
I know this would help my husband and I who live 2 1/2 hours from his mother who lives along and cannot keep calendars and notes straight. I am not sure she would remember the message but if it came as a message she could replay. Or some simple way to repeat. Or if you have a questions call your daughter, son, Anyone hear about someone developing a program like this.
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My husband wears an inexpensive digital watch which gives him the day of the week, the date and the time. He remembers to look at his watch sometimes but often asks me because he doesn't remember to look at it. When he asks me what day it is, as he does often, I just tell him to look at his watch which works for both of us..
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Oh yes! We go thru the exact same thing. Am interested in suggestions as well, since the dayclox (that we have all over the house) no longer seem to work.
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I purchased a clock. It is digital, it tells the time, month/date, day of the week, and indoor temperature. I purchased for my mother-in-law and liked it so much I bought one for me. It is a La Crosse Technology - Atomic Digital Wall Clock. It is large and easy to read.
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The Alzheimer's assoc has some GREAT big virtual calenders I think they can be helpful... My Mother very often gets confused about what day it is especially if she doesn't go to church...
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I think this is very common and for awhile keeping a calendar kept her somewhat oriented to time. But, then, she now forgets that the reminder is there. She will ask what time and day it is even though there are many cues around the house, including the daily newspaper. After awhile, they just don't think to look for these reminders that have been constant throughout their lives.
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My mother does the same thing and even calls her caregiver on her day off. I have left reminders but it looks like I need to get more. It is especially important for meds.
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Can she put on the news on the tv and get the day, date and time?
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