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My mom, age 77, has had PD for almost 22 years and cannot walk, drive, cook, etc. She has 24/7 care and I stay there overnight and the weekends. She used to sew, knit, crochet, cross stitch, etc. but is unable to now due to the PD and arthritis. She wants to try and embroider again but I am afraid she will not be able to and will get frustrated and her tremors will be going full force (any activity more than about 20 minutes causes major tremors). She doesn't seem to enjoy life anymore, and I don't know what to do to help her. The only thing she really enjoys is shopping! I take her when I can on the weekends, but the caregivers during the week don't take her anywhere. Any suggestions?

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Geewiz, great ideas. The caregivers don't do much with her outside of the house. We do have a park in town but school is back in session and with the colder weather heading our way we will wait until it warms up. The adult day care center here in town would not work and the senior citizens center, which I think would be good for her, she refuses to go to because "they are all old"...um you are too! :) I will do some research on puzzles and needlepoint but since her hands are arthritic and with the PD she has limited use of them. She does like doing crosswords and hangman, and the caregivers can help her with that on the computer. I believe she could help folding the clothes and sorting socks. I will mention that to them and ask that she at least is given the opportunity to help. I try and do things with her on the weekends that she will enjoy.
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Maybe your mom can help teach others to knit or sew and guide some of the seniors at a day center. But Geewiz seems to have given you a fair notion of all thats could be done.
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What are the caregivers doing with her all day? Part of their stated responsibilities should be activities. But you will have to define them. Here are some ideas. Large piece puzzles that she can handle the pieces. Chair exercises to a video. They are designed for older folks. In decent weather do they take her out? A visit to a play gorund to watch children on the swings/games often brings great joy to seniors. How about an adult day care center a few times a week rather than the care giver in the home. Instead of embroidery (small needles and stitches) how about needle point with yarn and large needles? If you search for kits for seniors, you will find simple designs and aids for grasping and vision limitations. What about music stations on the TV or videos of sing a long music from the 'old days'. Can she help with household chores by folding towels and face cloths? sorting and pairing socks? Mixing the pudding or jello in a bowl before you or CG cooks it? What about books on tape? Visits to small museums? Arboretums?
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Mom won't qualify for assisted living due to her physical restrictions. My sister looked into the senior citizens center here in town but Mom won't go.
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She is bored. We found a cure for "staring at the four walls" by moving mom to assisted living, in a small facility of 80 residents. She loves it.
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