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Mom is fairly lucid, but trusts no one, having been stuck in a cult all of her adult life,only released when my dad died. Can't read or write. Is very social, as long as I am with her.

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Good ideas are folding laundry, sorting socks, dusting, even giving them a bucket of soapy water and some silverware set in front of them. It might seem like more work to bring the stuff to them, but it helps them to feel needed and also helps when they start getting sundowners syndrome. You can also bring out photo albums to look at and if possible take them for a walk even if it just to the porch. It is good for them to get to see what the weather is like outside. Have them do as much as they still can within reason. It will keep their spirit high and help you overall.
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My mom is also lonely, lol so am I. It is tough to find something. Maybe a cat/pet or some church volunteers to come by and visit. I know a pet is something else to care for but with little info on the living arrangements. Cats are a great companion that do not need to be let out for potty time:)
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When you are 90+, your friends have passed on.
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Do you have an iPad or other tablet? There are so many games etc. Available there would be something appropriate. I've also downloaded movies that mom loved when younger. There's one advantage to dementia, she has no idea how many times she has watched Singin in the Rain or Sound of Music! At least if she has this dreadful disease it is fairly easy to entertain her with the same thing over and over again.:-O
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What about audio books? Movies are good, too. What about taking care of some houseplants? After awhile, I was stumped with my own mom, too. She lost interest in tv, couldn't really read anymore. It was really hard to keep her entertained, as she couldn't walk anymore either. I ended up giving her a pile of stuff, and she'd sort it and arrange it constantly, sometimes for hours on end. Discovering that she liked to do that saved my sanity. I'd change the items up every day, and she never seemed to grow tired of rearranging them, moving them around, etc. For someone still lucid, small chores would be good, like the ones already mentioned. What about puzzles? Board games you could play together? What about a beta fish to take care of? It's so hard to think of things that can keep an elderly person occupied all day... What about helping you bake some goodies? She could mix the ingredients for you. I'm stumped..
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I don't know how you feel about this, or even if it's possible, but wouldn't a great activity be learning how to read? Is she interested? Does she have vision problems?
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i too am trying to find something to keep my 93yr gma with dementia occupied when she's home. she doesn't watching "too much tv" and although she does sit & read, i feel bad watching her sit there for hours as i am in & out through the day. i was able to get her interested in games on the computer but when i finally hooked up the second computer in the living room, she lost interest very quick. i know its difficult to find something to occupy her time without having to sit with her & teach her how to use it(like tablet) i did get her a dog and it does help, i also take her to the senior center at least once a week. the funniest thing i found that she loved to do was connect with her old friends thru facebook! good luck to you!
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gmma,
I never have tried to teach my mom how to use the iPad, but if I set up a movie for her she is content to watch. Though we have had problems with her inadvertently touching the screen. I do wish there was an app to disable all touches and buttons.
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Audiobooks? Music?
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If you are not working help her to explore the world she was denied. You say she is social as long you are with her. Go with her to a senior center and both participate in their activities. There are voluteers through the library system that teaches literacy to adults at no cost. The library has free programs to teach adults computer skills. The more you expose your mom to what is out there, the more chance she will gain confidence enough to try on her own. She could also be a great mentor for those who have managed to escape a cult life.
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