Follow
Share

Now my inlaws have also moved in with us (but they are in excellent health and very self-sufficient, thank God). Mom is the one with dementia and ILs will watch her while I work p/t in a school so I don't have to worry about hiring caregivers for mom.


I'm not a hobby/puzzle person really but I need to keep myself mentally busy without leaving the house for too long. I need to keep mentally busy so that I don't miss my kids and have something to look forward to..we don't go anywhere or do anything much as it's a pain to lug 3 seniors along..never thought my life will be so empty. Husband is busy with his own job and hobbies.


Btw, I asked for ILs to move in with us so that I didn't have to worry about caregivers suddenly calling out absent before I rush out to work. ILs are super nice people

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing

27 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Check your local library. They still have book clubs although the meetings are Zoom. The library has other programs that are done mostly Zoom as well not just the book clubs.
How active is your mom? Is it possible that you could get her involved in an Adult Day Program? She will have some activity and that will give you a break.
As for on line activity..I am hooked on the Microsoft Solitaire and Sudoku programs.
And nothing beats getting out for a walk. If mom is able take her as well. Fresh air can do wonders.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
W
wearynow Aug 2021
Thank you. Do I download MS Solitaire or is it on the MS website? I'd love to play this but Im not a math person and terrified actually of numbers games!!
(0)
Report
Weary, as things settle down in the world, you can plan a vacation and have someone come in to help all 3 get through the days. Having 2 healthy adults to help with mom should make this doable.

I will believe with you that you have a lovely holiday on your horizon.

That could be a goal you set and sort out the details.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
W
wearynow Aug 2021
You are right...thank you for keeping it positive!
(2)
Report
See 1 more reply
I don't know of a scrabble club. but, maybe you could start a Book Club and have a weekly get together with a few friends to discuss the book.

Sounds like you and hubby need some time away and let the In Laws that moved in watch mom for a night out or preferably a weekend away and a date night out once a week.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
If you find that you don't have time to sit and pay attention but still want a mental break I love audiobooks. I use Audible and have the books on my phone, that way I can move freely about with my phone in my pocket and keep listening as I do tasks. Your local library may even offer audio books you can check out on-online for free.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
Weary, what s great solution for all.

Your family is blessed to have one another.

I know that yours is not an easy journey but, I am happy for you that you now have some in home help.

You and husband should take advantage of the help and do a date night at least a couple of times a month, even if it is a picnic during the day.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
W
wearynow Aug 2021
Yeah but I worry about turning 80 myself (im 55) with all these seniors at home and getting jealous of other folks going on vacation without a care in the world.

Guess I should count my blessings for now.

Thank you
(1)
Report
I am glad you enjoy all the parents in your life. What are the things you enjoy doing? if you're a "creative type", there are plenty of projects for the home or for pleasure and getting supplies is pretty easy through Amazon Prime. Youtube has lots of good classes for just about anything. If you are more of the "social type", Facebook has been advertising about groups as part of their "community." I also know that several faith groups also have online worship services, classes, and smaller groups that use ZOOM platform to "meet" online.

I would suggest considering a "sitter" so you can get out a little more every week.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
If you have a local library, ask if the have any online book clubs.

Check Goodteafs.com for their groups.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
lastly, get into nature?! Are you near any rivers?
Stick toes in and enjoy the silence. ;)
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
Thank you to each and everyone who responded! It was so much fun reading all your responses. For now, I will do the GetLit book club on NPR - I'm trying to get a copy of the Great Mistake by Jonathan Lee so that I can join in their YTube discussion on Sept 21
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
gladimhere avatar
G
gladimhere Sep 2021
So many books, so little time! The Great Mistake sounds like something good one too and available for kindle and audio version which is free with an audible trial.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JK6GQ86/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
Zibby Owens of Moms Don't Have Time to Read hosts a virtual book club. I don't particularly care for some of her selections, BUT . . . She uses Bookclubz as the platform. Through that sight you could find another online book club if you like.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
gladimhere avatar
G
gladimhere Sep 2021
I just looked at Zibby Owens site. The book on the agenda September 14 is The Plot which I have wanted to finish for awhile. I might have to get that done by then. Very interesting site, thanks for sharing.

AC has a thread that revolves around reading, not a discussion by any stretch, but we share books we are reading so others may enjoy them too.

https://www.agingcare.com/discussions/what-are-you-reading-right-now-448374.htm?orderby=oldest
(0)
Report
See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

Recent Questions


Popular Questions


Related Questions

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter