I moved my mother into an IL community near me a month and a half ago. Mom has dementia and had isolated herself when living on her own. I'm thrilled that she is eating meals with other residents and goes to Bingo and music performances. The problem is when she's alone in her apartment. She doesn't know what to do with herself. She doesn't recognize that she has dementia so suggesting that she do things to actively combat the dementia won't work. I'm trying to find something that she will enjoy to keep her busy when she's on her own. You people are amazing and I've no doubt that someone out there will have some suggestions for me!
I think this activity is well-liked by many impaired older folks.
But for now ...
My mom liked matching socks up. When I had a lot from the wash I brought them to her. Sometimes I pulled some out of my drawers, too. She saw the activity as helping me. If there are any parts of your laundry that mom could help with, try that out. Folding towels is another "helpful" activity.
Mom liked sorting almost anything. I had her sort beads by color, for the craft department. I'd often bring a big bag of mixed coins and have her sort them into small baggies. Buttons might be good -- sort by size, or color, or material.
My mom loved looking through magazines, especially those with recipes and food pictures.
She also loved doing crossword puzzles, but she had done that all of her life. I doubt she could have learned it new after she had dementia.
Do people congregate in a common area? Might she hang out there a bit, and strike up a conversation with another resident?
Good luck!
Oddly, the residents where my mom lives don't tend to congregate unless a musical performance or Happy Hour are on the horizon. Mom is onboard with some of the activities including those, so that's good news.
I have tried and failed to get her to engage in:
Knitting
reading
Sudoku
coloring
puzzles
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