She's 84 years old, used to live alone prior to hospitalization 3 months ago. Used to love to read, do crosswords, play solitaire. Dementia is mild to moderate depending on the day.
Maybe folding towels, socks, even if you have ones that she folds over and over, thrift stores are a great resource for these. Running a vacuum or sweeper? Maybe buy plastic dishes and cups from the dollar store that she can wash and dry?
I would also check with the daycare and see if they have any programs where seniors are calling each other for wellness checks and friendship, or if they know of any such programs.
Finding simple, purposeful activities can help her in many ways.
Best of luck finding your path through this awful disease.
Thank you for the simple suggestions - she always asks if she can help me and I tend to say no... I'm going to start l separating the washcloths and hand towels from the laundry, for her to fold.
The adult day care is a great solution. Is she still able to do the reading, crosswords, etc.? Probably not so much with mild/moderate dementia. My mom is in the category too and can play some simple card games with prompting.
Are you able to keep her active? Does she have PT? I have an aide that comes in and does exercises with mom, makes her breakfast and cleans up, makes sure she showers, helps her with her laundry, and plays games with her.
My mother used to enjoy adult coloring books, doing puzzles with larger pieces, simple arts and crafts, and those sewing/lacing cards like some shown here:
Maybe folding towels, socks, even if you have ones that she folds over and over, thrift stores are a great resource for these. Running a vacuum or sweeper? Maybe buy plastic dishes and cups from the dollar store that she can wash and dry?
I would also check with the daycare and see if they have any programs where seniors are calling each other for wellness checks and friendship, or if they know of any such programs.
Finding simple, purposeful activities can help her in many ways.
Best of luck finding your path through this awful disease.
separating the washcloths and hand towels from the laundry, for her to fold.
Are you able to keep her active? Does she have PT? I have an aide that comes in and does exercises with mom, makes her breakfast and cleans up, makes sure she showers, helps her with her laundry, and plays games with her.
Good luck!
https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/activities-for-dementia-patients-50-tips-and-ideas-to-keep-patients-with-dementia-engaged
And here is another set of ideas directly from the ALZ.org website:
https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities
My mother used to enjoy adult coloring books, doing puzzles with larger pieces, simple arts and crafts, and those sewing/lacing cards like some shown here:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sewing+cards+for+adults+with+dementia&crid=2KDMPNB00O3RM&sprefix=sewing+cards+%2Caps%2C473&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_7_13
Best of luck!