I have found lots of great ideas here - thanks to all. I have looked to my mother's past interests for help. My mother wouldn't watch tv until I found the station with the old programs she had enjoyed in her early adulthood. She craves companionship and if someone sits and laughs with her, she very much enjoys those Judy Garland/Fred Astaire era musical movies or the old Red Skelton, Carol Burnett slapstick. When we go for rides or are I am just doing chores in her apartment, I will begin singing a song from one of those old musicals and before I know it she is smiling and singing along. She played violin in high school so I often put on classical musical when I arrive and oftentimes we are "directing" the orchestra. She sewed, knitted, and did all kinds of crafts. As long as I remove the packaging so that she doesn't think it is for "children", she will enjoy making suncatchers, hotpads, etc. etc. Games are tricky. She used to be excellent at spelling but just can't do scrabble, etc. but she does enjoy number games. She also very much enjoys watching the birds at her birdfeeder. I have found a simply bird book which identifies bird by color and she enjoys finding and naming the birds - even tho we just found them yesterday and she has forgotten! Looking at old photos can bring forth memories of her childhood and younger days, often stories I have never heard before. I have also just read the article about listening to those with dementia. I have discovered that silence is okay. Takes patience but sometimes we just sit and hold hands and all of a sudden my mother will initiate a conversation.
To those attempting to understand medicaid. I don't! but do not overlook the potential for benefits from the VA if your father was in the military. Spouses are also eligible.
I take my grandpa to the park. At the park the most frequent, there are ducks there so he "sometimes" enjoys feeding them bread. Being out in nature is good for both caregiver and their "patient" for getting fresh air and a little sun. For mental stimulation they can keep busy people watching for example watching children play in the playground; going to a garden and looking a various plants and flowers. another good activity is to buy a beach ball and play catch with it back and forth.
To those attempting to understand medicaid. I don't! but do not overlook the potential for benefits from the VA if your father was in the military. Spouses are also eligible.