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RitaTurner555 Asked May 2019

How do I create a stimulating environment for my elderly, blind, virtually-bedridden MIL? Her life consists of listening to crap TV all day.

My MIL has severe rheumatoid arthritis and recently lost her sight, so has moved in with me and my husband. With the RA, she could still go shopping (her favorite activity!) and out to eat, even though it was very slow. The blindness now has her unable to really do either of these things since she can't see items in the store and has trouble feeding herself any but the most basic foods (and insists on trying to feed herself). Now she sits in her room and listens to three things on tv: Maury/Jerry Springer, old game shows, and the news. That has always been the extent of her "culture"--no reading except sale flyers and fly-by-night "nutrition" books. But now that is all her days consist of.


She seems to just sleep with the TV on most of the day and night... Unless I bring her a meal/pills and chat a while, she scarcely moves. She gets a phone call or two each week, and that is the extent of her socializing.

SnoopyLove May 2019
Maybe play her favorite singers for her on YouTube? Maybe a brief relaxing hand massage with a nice scented lotion?
RitaTurner555 May 2019
Thank you. These are great suggestions! Sometimes I feel so busy with meals, bathing, etc that I forget the joy touch can bring!
needtowashhair May 2019
ASMR. It's the rage with all the kids. It's free. You just need a pair of headphones and a smartphone.
RitaTurner555 May 2019
I had to Google what you were talking about! Sounds fascinating...thanks for the suggestion!

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Sunnygirl1 May 2019
Do you know if she is dealing with much pain from her arthritis? If so, it might just be all she can do is to get through the day. I feel for those who suffer from chronic pain like that. My grandfather did and he was bedbound for years. It's so sad. His bright moments were when the kids and grandkids visited and gave him a hug. So,

I might explore to see if she needs more for pain and if she's depressed. Who wouldn't be with all that to deal with. And, if meds would help.

I might also check into pet therapy where the professional comes to visit with an animal, dog, cat or sometimes rabbits that the patient can hold or pet. I'd see if she was open to it.

I might also ask her if she could help do some things for you, like folding clothes or listening for a phone call when you have to go outside for something. . It doesn't matter how good she might be at folding. Sometimes, people just need to feel needed and that they still have a purpose.

anonymous567821 May 2019
Visually challenged people get games and items from:
https://www.maxiaids.com/
Also books on tape:
https://www.loc.gov/nls/
Grandpad is great it is a 5"x8" tablet with access to facebook, music, games etc.
You can also check for a blind awareness center close to you or call the Helen Keller Institute they may be able to direct you.
Blessings
hgnhgn
RitaTurner555 May 2019
Most of these items appear geared for visually impaired, not totally blind, but thank you for your caring response!
Isthisrealyreal May 2019
Can you see if there is a daycare that helps with the visually impaired?

Perhaps there is a blind school close to you and she can take some classes to learn how to live with her new reality?

Try to find other visually impaired, high functioning individuals who are willing to fellowship with her. Her eye doctor should be able to help with resources.

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