What can I bring my mother to keep her entertained, so she isn't bored in her re-hab bedroom?

Birds and Bloom Magazine has wonderful colored pictures of flowers and birds. It would be fun for her to look at. You might try large print word puzzle or word search books. My Mom loves those. You might also try books on tape, I think that is fun and really entertaining. take care, J

Check with your state's library for the blind and physically handicapped. They may be able to provide recorded books and listening equipment. You can look up your local library at http://www.loc.gov/nls/

Also, ABLEDATA has a good collection of game board and fun items for hobbies like knitting and crocheting helpers for people with limited mobility, card holders for people who have to recline, etc. Check them out at http://www.abledata.com

Ask yourself this very same question....then what would you like to do or see?
I love magazines. I love the mags that have a professional slant, such as Scientific American, National Geographic Traveler or Architectural Digest.
These are a cut above the mags that you see in the Dentist's office or in the hair salon. What does she like? What is she interested in? Get those publications to her, and I think she'll enjoy them.

What could be a bucket list project for her. If she enjoys classical music, then have first project be to listen to all of Brahms Symphonies...only four. Actually find them on DVD (check out Netflix, they have a lot of these sorts of programs). If she falls in love with Brahms, then get a chamber work like the french horn piece, piano sonatas, etc. The German Requiem.

Make it a goal to listen to (see on DVD) all of Beethoven's symphonies, the Bminor mass of Bach, the two passions of Bach. That sort of thing...or make another project...all of the Joseph Campbell Myth video programs. The Sister Wendy art programs. Get her a small DVD player with noise cancelling headphones perhaps.

Something that is great for ambient passing of time, set up bird feeder if possible outside her window. Get some sort of table and put peanuts and sunflowers for squirrels and jays. (not with shells, no mess that way to sweep up.) Is there a pet therapy program? You can bring in tiny aquarium meant for those fighting fish...

Do they have WiFi at the NH? Bring in your computer and surf the net with her. Get splitter with two headphones...Look at the Ted lectures...only 15 min each and so fascinating.

It is always SO great to see all the suggestions that are made here for keeping our loved ones busy. If she can.. why not have other residents come and VISIT with her and share stories, tea, etc. Sometimes "misery" just needs company! And maybe they won't be miserable!

When Mom was confined to bed, we had "tea parties" in her room while we watched FOOD TV and got ideas for our next party! Mom loved it, the other residents that didn't get visitors loved it too, so everyone was happy!

If for reading all she need is simple reading glasses, go to the dollar store and pick up several different strengths. I called the stores first and found out who carried them. At $3-$6 each it is great!

My (96) mom enjoyed reading Danielle Steele novels. About a year ago she said she could not remember what she reads. No more novels. Now, she enjoys magazines and especially catalogs (all kinds of catalogs). Fortunately, she doesn't have to stay in bed. But, she did have a 7-day stay at rehab after hip surgery in Jan. Again, catalogs, newspapers, magazines! She used to crochet and sew but not anymore.
Someone suggested my mom might enjoy putting photos in an album (but not). That might work for your mom.
I'm looking for ideas too. I hope this helps.

You are so right Karenw, novels are now too much. My mom loved to read All Creatures Great and Small and now she cannot. Only 2 months later! So I gave her a more children's book, my favorite -Laura was my Camel- and it is so cute and easy for her to read, but still not childish. She appreciates the short chapters. And a bit larger word spacing.

Just ask her what she would like to fill in her time? Visits from friends or family. Movies? You can get small DVD players and you don't have to watch you can also just lie down and listen to a movie. I love doing that myself. Not only movies are on DVD but shows about practically anything..history, HBO series, PBS specials....CSPAN specials...etc.

Hi Mudd,
Since mom's needs a new prescription for glasses, try going to the Dollar Store or even Wal-Mart and getting her some reading glasses, it a temporary fix but it works. Also try crossword books,Perhaps you can introduce bingo, pokeno, checkers. Ask her interest and you can't go wrong.