Dad has been in NH for about 6 months. He has improved greatly and mentally he is there. He’s 89. He is struggling with a loss of purpose..what to do so he feels he is useful.. or has a job as he says. He has always been busy doing things around the house or managing finances and paperwork. He does participate in the games and activities there but that isn’t satisfying a purpose. Anyone have ideas how we can help him?
My dad started writing his memoirs when he was in a club. Each week, they'd take turns telling a little bit about their background and upbringing, so he made a few notes. Eventually that expanded to 18 typed pages of stream of consciousness memories, and it was priceless. There's so much we don't know about our parents' lives, and even if they think something is boring and inconsequential, it often isn't.
One of the last things my Dad said to me was, "Did I write down that I once danced with Keely Smith?"
Yes, Dad, you sure did.
If he needs NH level care due to health issues, bring this up at the next care meeting-- get the Social Worker and activities director to find a job he can do.