What "toys" or objects can my mother play with while sitting in the nursing home?

Hi dj. Well, same thing here, only Mother is at our house. I hate that sitting all day thing, but one of these days I may have to put my Mother back in one, as physically it is getting more difficult to move her. Mentally, well--forget it.
Back to YOUR question. Mother has a Cabbage Patch doll that she finds a bit of interest in. Also, a very soft stuffed animal--I think it's a dog she named. Anything soft, cozy, big enough to squeeze. A deck of cards?! You must be kidding. Wow. Let the NH play 52 pick up with those.
I also suggest those squishy balls with lots of texture that she can have fun with. . How about make a texture book like we made for our babies. Lot's of toys we think would be fun, they cannot manage due to poor coordination. How about a soft toy that speaks when you squeeze it? I don't know anymore. OUR perception is that we want them to be occupied, but we don't understand their brains anymore. Neither do they. I'm with you, dj. It's frustrating, but I think if they are safe, clean, well fed, stimulated enough throughout the day so they are not totally alone, then I think thats about what we have to accept. Can you give your Mom a manicure, or hand and arm massage with cream? They enjoy that, too. Bless you, dj. Christina

Mom also has a cabbage patch - vintage. Mom stood out in the rain at Gaylords department store about 30 yrs ago to buy one for my daughter who promptly named her Molly. Molly has been a lifetime in our home, and now is with Mom. Molly still goes though the washing machine 1x week or so and I swear she still looks as good as the first time I saw her. Must be magic. Magic Molly.

What a great service, Barb. (Are you really 111? wow- you look good. heehee)
Mother has a German doll her Mother gave her in 1920 when she was 3 years old. I recently made a blue silk dress for it, but think I need to take it to a doll hospital for re-something--whatever they do to get the arms and legs to stay in the joints!
I never cared for dolls, but we are storing my daughter's multiple Barbie's, American Girl dolls and paraphernalia, baby dolls, and clothes. That's a good idea, I will speak to my daughter about "sharing".
Do you wash the doll on delicate with lots of towels?

There are several toys on the market for just this very purpose -- keeping hands engaged. I don't think you need a huge variety. Once you find something the person likes, it can be used indefinitely without them getting bored with it.

Christina28 - I am 55 (don't like disclosing my birthdate on public sites) Mom is 89. I replaced my pic with hers.
I do wash Molly with towels, but on on hot with the Tide with Vlorox. She gets all sorts of Mom's yucky/nasties on her - blood, poo, who knows what else - and then I let her air dry.

OK. I wont tell anyone. anyway, your Mom is darling. Mother likes to put her stuffed doggie on her head, she likes her head to be warm. she has lots of hats, but Oh well.
jeannegibbs--you're amazing, as always:)

You could try a childs puzzle. My sister bought her one with wooden knobs on the pieces. There are 6 animal shaped pieces and she puts them in the shapes by matching the pieces to their picture. This is just a suggestion. I'm sure they make foam puzzles as well. I try everything myself to keep her attention even if its just a few minutes. I also have her fold washcloths. Take Care of yourself as well .