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My mom is bedridden (getting out of bed for short intervals into wheel chair), on oxygen and at home on hospice. My dad is with her, as are my brother sister and I, but she has very little interest or ability to do what she used to enjoy. Other than visits with family and friends, and occassional tv, she doen't do much, and is getting bored. She rejects offers to play games, use her computer, read books, etc., and I am at a loss as to what to suggest so that my dad can get some much needed sleep. Any suggestions?

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As people get close to the end of their lives, they begin to lose interest in the things of this world. Even activities they have always enjoyed -- watching tv, reading, etc. -- are of no interest. They may start talking about, or even "seeing" people who have passed on.

One thing some older people enjoy is being "interviewed" for a video history. If you have a camcorder of any kind, tell her you want to record her memories. Ask her questions like: What is your earliest memory as a child? What's your best memory of your parents? How were things different then than now? Who was your best friend in high school? How did you meet Dad? What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? What was the most fun thing you've done in your life? Your best vacation? The proudest moment of your life? etc.

She may even be beyond this, but sounds like you've covered any other ideas.
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I work in a senior community. I am the activity director. When the time comes that a residents looses interest in all the usual daily activities, I have to get very creative. Sometimes it's as simple as just reminiscing or a sensory basket. Things like soft music such as beach sounds, a hand rub with a lotion that smells like coconut, a shell for them to hold, a sun hat and maybe some lemonade to sip. All things that make a memory of the beach. This is just one example of the kind of sensory basket you can do. Think of the 5 important senses and try to bring them alive. It is so subtle that they don't even know it's an activity or how important it is. Good luck.
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