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Grietvanhelsing Asked July 2021

What can I do with a quadriplegic person ? (Activities)

Hello !


I am looking after my grandfather full time right now because I am on vacation and can spend time with him. My grandfather is severely disabled following an accident 10 years ago. His rheumatism paralyzed him even more, if I may say so. He is paralyzed in the legs, chest and arms. With the Covid situation it is very complicated to have full-time helpers. But he is still lucky to have a nurse who comes four times a week. The rest of the time, it's me! So I wash him, I help him get dressed, eat, transfer, take his medication and I help him endure his pain, especially with massages. I would like to know the activities that I could do with him (being alone with him). I already read to him as he likes it but apart from that… mobility, heat and Covid constitute very big problems.


Thanks


xxx


Griet ✨

GardenArtist Jul 2021
Working puzzles is an absorbing pastime, especially the large ones with complicated designs.    And they don't have to be worked all at one time.   You might find one with designs of activities or places that your GF likes, and perhaps you can follow up sooner or later with, as others suggested, a nice ride (hopefully in cooler weather).

Cribbage is another interesting pastime.

cwillie Jul 2021
He's been living with his disability for a decade so other than increasing pain from arthritis nothing has changed, right? So join him in whatever kind of things has he been used to doing for recreation.

Given his physical limitations plus the pandemic meaning that getting out and about has been impossible for the past year IMO just helping him go somewhere would be a huge treat - shopping, dining out, visiting the park are all doable with proper precautions (I'm assuming he is fully vaccinated).

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MaryBX Jul 2021
Hi !
I am so so sorry for your grandpa, the pain must be terrible…
My own grandpa is quadriplegic but he is much older, 89 years old. He lives in his home with my granny (it’s on my mother’s side). And when I visit him we have some walk around the neighborhood, he loves having some swims in his swimming pool even he can’t swim of course. But I know he loves being in the water because he feels lighter and better. So that’s an idea, only if you are able to make him safe !
And maybe just playing music to him is great !
Hope your grandpa and you will have some wonderful moments doing this es activities.
Mary 🪴

SnoopyLove Jul 2021
I am sorry to hear your grandfather has pain. I assume his doctor is trying to address this? I can imagine how pain would limit him, which on top of his paralysis is certainly very unfortunate.

My own elderly quadriplegic dad (who thankfully does not have pain) enjoys going for walks around the block in his power wheelchair, and outings to wheelchair-friendly parks and trails when he feels up to it. Our local library opened a new butterfly garden a few years ago and he loved touring that. Sometimes we just roll him into the backyard or onto the deck, weather permitting.

funkygrandma59 Jul 2021
I imagine he has a wheelchair, so weather permitting, you can take him outside for a walk around the neighborhood, or a local park. You can also put him in your car, and go on a little road trip, maybe to just get some ice cream(and yes you'll have to feed him, but he will love it!) You can play his favorite music too. I'm sure he just loves spending time with his grandson, so I wouldn't fret too much about what you do or don't do for him.
And I know your profile says that grandpa lives in CA, and thankfully they are pretty much opened back up, so get him out there and have some fun. You're a sweet grandson to care for your grandpa. God bless you.
MaryBX Jul 2021
Yes indeeed you are right those are great ideas for Griet’s grandpa !

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