How physically active is she? Can she walk? Does she require a walker? How old is she? What interests did she have previously? Does she like to read? Look at photo albums? And neighbors or friends or family phone occasionally? Does she like to sit outside?
Is there an activity that you want to participate in? If so just bring her with you. If she sits and watches at least she will have some visual stimulation that is different than sitting at home. Take her for a walk. (if she is in a wheelchair I still consider that taking her for a walk). Take time for yourself to sit on a bench and just watch what is going on around you. A bit of "mindful meditation" or just getting a few minutes to allow yourself to do nothing but appreciate the moment. That is good for your soul! I think many people with dementia have a fear in the back of their head that they are going to do something wrong. Or it is confusing. It is difficult to remember how to do things as well as actually not knowing how to do things they used to do. There is nothing "wrong" with letting her do nothing as long as you are not ignoring her or her needs. Let her be with her thoughts such as they are, you never know what is actually going on in her mind. She may be processing a conversation you had earlier, it takes time to process thoughts.
Same here with my MIL. She is in a memory care facility where the director plans great activities. MIL does not participate at all. MIL was a painter in her younger years, now she won't even pick up a paint brush or sketch pad. When we visit we participate in activities to try and see if she would join in, she just sits and watches. When she is in her apartment she will sit there all day and look out the window. When we offer to put on the tv or music she says no. I always feel horrible when leaving and she is sitting in a quiet apartment. It is so frustrating at times
I used to feel sad leaving patients sitting, lying, doing nothing. So I started asking what they wanted. The radio? TV? Something to do? Or peace & quiet?
Very often the answer was peace & quiet.
One lady just liked to watch 'her tree' outside.
Most had dementia, many advanced, only speaking when asked direct questions. The 'tree lady' didn't want too much noise or lights. Said she liked people, but not all the time now. Was happy with her tree.
She helped me a lot.
Made me think of a young baby in a pram gazing at the trees with wonder - perfectly happy with just gazing.
Music can be very good for people with alzheimer's or other cognitive impairment. It needn't be just passively listening, but can incorporate movement, singing, etc. Did you wife like music or dancing when she was younger? Do you like dancing? Maybe you could persuade her to dance with you, sing with you or sing along with familiar songs from YouTube or other sources. You (or someone) can create a personalized playlist for your wife and have it on a tablet or other device; she can use wireless headphones which eliminates other distractions.
Take her for a walk. (if she is in a wheelchair I still consider that taking her for a walk). Take time for yourself to sit on a bench and just watch what is going on around you. A bit of "mindful meditation" or just getting a few minutes to allow yourself to do nothing but appreciate the moment. That is good for your soul!
I think many people with dementia have a fear in the back of their head that they are going to do something wrong. Or it is confusing. It is difficult to remember how to do things as well as actually not knowing how to do things they used to do.
There is nothing "wrong" with letting her do nothing as long as you are not ignoring her or her needs. Let her be with her thoughts such as they are, you never know what is actually going on in her mind. She may be processing a conversation you had earlier, it takes time to process thoughts.
Very often the answer was peace & quiet.
One lady just liked to watch 'her tree' outside.
Most had dementia, many advanced, only speaking when asked direct questions. The 'tree lady' didn't want too much noise or lights. Said she liked people, but not all the time now. Was happy with her tree.
She helped me a lot.
Made me think of a young baby in a pram gazing at the trees with wonder - perfectly happy with just gazing.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7vkKHYosuQ