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.
Minus having to replace the electrical cord that came with it very shortly with one from Radio Shack, it works great. (Now we just keep it plugged in all the time and shut it off at the button at night.) Mom really likes it and I asked the aide and she says she no longer bothers her with constant questions as to what day it is. I also purchased a very large clock for the den where she spends most time. I also purchased her a large monthly planner where she writes things down, appts, etc. I also purchased a large print wall calendar. She gets very nervous about doc appts, etc. It finally dawned on me to just tell the aide all the future dates for doc appts so she does not get so nerveous about missing them. Then as they get closer she can write them in her planner book. Otherwise our conversations revolve around constant repeating the same info.............Then I start pulling my hair out!
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.
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!