Follow
Share

She is not capable of doing hobbies she enjoyed in the past. Everything has become a challenge. She watches television with us but can't follow the programming anymore. We have to watch her confusion level for programming choices because she sometimes thinks the things happening are real. I have tried various things, painting canvases and ceramics, puzzles (all the way down to 12 piece), these things are too challenging for her and she loses interest quickly. She hasn't read in a while it frustrates her. We do the typical things like rinsing dishes and folding towels. I don't know what else to try?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Music
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Music is a good suggestion....I found an oldies station and play it when we are in the car running errands. Mom also still enjoys going for walks. She reads the paper each day, and goes through the motions of reading novels....but she definitely has the same TV issues, most shows are hard for her to follow. The puzzles work as long as we do them with her, but card games frustrate her. Luckily she likes working out at the gym with a trainer, but one can only do that for a short time. The caregiver has had success taking mom to museums, but not so much enthusiasm at the senior center. Today I found a quilt show to take Mom to, and we both enjoyed looking at the quilts and fabric.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Try googling for "mainzone activities for in-home caregivers" and fin many ideas that might fit you situation
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Maybe you shouldn't be too concerned that she is bored. Older people do tend to sit a lot and look out the window when they lose the ability to enjoy doing things. It makes us think that they are bored, when really it is us feeling a bit guilty thinking that they must be bored. Some of the things I think she might enjoy don't have to be long activities. Maybe she would like to sit in the yard or go for a short ride (or walk, if possible). I like JJGood's idea about going to a fabric shop. What a wonderful idea. I was thinking it could be pleasant to go to the bakery, too. Little things could make life more pleasant.

I wouldn't worry about trying to keep her entertained all day. It is part of life to slow down and sit when abilities are lost. We can help some, but need to accept that it may be how they feel most comfortable.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I agree with Jessiebelle, what I am finding is that there seems to be a fine line between my mom enjoying activities, and her being overwhelmed. She's said to me and the caregiver, let's go home...and home is pretty boring, but I think she gets confused, over stimulated, overwhelmed and now craves some quiet, or vegging In front of the TV.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

My mother used to enjoy watching TV all day long. She watched reruns of the Waltons or game shows. She could do other things, but this is what she chose to do. She talked of things that she would like to do, but she didn't do them. I guess she preferred watching TV. It was easier to do. She didn't want to interact with people that much. She's always been a bit of a hermit. Spending a lot of time with people was too challenging.

Now she has lost much of her interest in TV and sits in front of a window looking out. This is what my father did, so it is bothersome to me. He spent the last 10-20 years of his life sitting in that chair. It was torture watching him. He was autistic, deaf, and didn't want anything to do with people, so it was what he wanted to do. Now my mother is doing it. She talks of things she needs to do, like yard work. I tell her if she needs some exercise she can clean her room. That gets us nowhere. She doesn't really want to do anything usually except sit there. I've come to peace with that. She'll be 90 soon and has dementia and spinal stenosis that keeps her bent double when she walks. The only things she seems to really enjoy now is going to church or out to eat, so that's what we do. And she loves it when one of my brothers call her, especially the one who will actually talk to her. It's the greatest treat when he calls. She also makes her own breakfast and lunch, and does her own laundry. She's very slow, so these activities take up a huge part of her day.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter