Mom

I definitely see Mom doing some of the same things that Grandmother did....the pacing, not eating or eating the same thing over and over again....I thought the dog idea was great when Lauren let Jake stay with Mom for a few days...the problem was that Mom forgot to even let Jake outside to go to the bathroom. She would spend her days cleaning up after a dog (or maybe not even cleaning up after a dog).

One of my coworkers is going through something similar with her Mom; she sent out a mass email asking if anyone had gone through it with their parent/s and I suggested a few organizations to contact that I knew about because of respite care for children w/disabilities. She contacted the Senior Citizens program here and they actually now pick her mother up 3 days a week (around 8 a.m.), feed her breakfast and lunch, provide activities for her and then transport her home. I am sure there is something similar in Atlanta and will be glad to make a few calls if y'all want me to. The cost is minimal too - something like $7 a day....I couldn't believe it!

I know that stress definitely affects the memory and the more Mom stays to herself and inside/home alone, the worse it will get. Being with people, socializing, and interacting (even exercising again like they used to do) with others will stimulate Mom's brain and help.