Although 100, my husband seems to be without dementia. But his sensory and mobility problems really interfere with his doing the things he used to like --reading, watching TV, socializing, creating mosaic paintings. Mainly he sleeps a lot of the day. I've talked to him about a senior day care program. He's not very interested, but has said he will give it a try after the holidays. He has never been a card player, can no longer play Scrabble. I dont think his eyesight would allow him to do jigsaw puzzles. Any suggestions would be appreciated. It is sad to see a very intelligent and well-educated man just sleep and vegetate all day.
I would recommend:
* Ear phones with 'books on tape.' and/or news if he is interested in current events or Wildlife documentaries or the History channel.
Focus on other senses:
Tactile________________ Touch
* Massage:
- You could do gently and/or hire a certified massage therapist (as I am) to show you how to do that will be relaxing to him.
- You could try a mechanical massager that he can use himself or you could.
* Try play dough or something like that - he can make shapes or actual figures.
Smell - See if there is anything he can do using scent sense.
* Perhaps jars of spices for him to guess what they are.
- Then if he can ear w earphones, offer some history or origins of spices (cinnamin is very interesting).
Let me know what you decide to do / what work(ed)(s).
Gena / Touch Matters
My spirits have been lifted by so many ideas and possibilities.
Happy holiday and the best for the New Year to all of you and your families, and especially to the ones who drive us crazy ......