She has a history of depression and has been diagnosed w/ bipolar disorder. She is lonely and feeling more frustrated about her cognitive impairment. She needs to talk things out and get support from a professional or others going through a similar experience. I find lots of caregiver support but unsuccessful in finding anything for people like her. Is there a local counseling service in the Birmingham area that specializes in dementia/depression/bipolar support?
We did not buy cable service for her room just so that she would be forced to go out for noise and "companionship." When her mind was sharper, she always had on radio or TV so she would not be so lonely. Now she just steps out her door, or her buddies come by on their way for meals to remind her. They are all in the same boat and make a lot of allowances for forgetting. It is very much like her college dorm, actually! :)