She has been in a memory facility that offers many diversions for their residents. Unfortunately because of her blindness she is unable to partake in any. Of course due to blindness, she cannot watch the TV which is source of much entertainment. She sits in a wheelchair most all day with no contact with other residents because they are not aware of her lack of vision and feel she is aloof and unfriendly.
Any suggestions to help make her life more meaningful?
Audio books. Music on CD. A radio? Someone to read to her?
OP I hope you stick around. We are enriched by your being here.
Other ideas I”ll just throw out to you, maybe they will spur an idea. I sometimes ask her to fold her nightgowns to “help” me. I have some old funny letters that her brother wrote to her when he was in the service during WW2 and I read them to her. Sometimes I read happy stories out of the newspaper (if there are any). I also bring the seed catalogs in and I ask her to help plan my flower and vegetable gardens. I read the descriptions and we talk about how flowers would look together or what veggies to plant.
Also I have made sure to gently let the other residents know that she’s lost her vision, so she will not be able to start conversations with them, and they are welcome to initiate a conversation. Also to cut her some slack when she may ask many times “where am I” or “where am I going?” They have become very supportive. I do wish that there were more activities there for the blind or visually impaired. You might mention it to the recreation therapists there to help you brainstorm ideas.
I’ll post some sources within the next few days.
Would she like aromatherapy?
Massage her hands/feet
Let her fingers play with a fiddle apron (little gadgets and things are sewed onto it, and she can wear it)
Does her facility allow pets? Maybe the farm girl would like to hold a cat or dog. If a real one isn't possible, I saw a stuffed animal for sale online that was weighted and had a "heartbeat" from the Alzheimer's Store. (https://www.alzstore.com/perfect-petzzz-cavalier-king-charles-p/0606.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NPjBRDDARIsAM9X1GJAT9cY7j5JBYe_yxWgL2TUemCYCUfmRQpDe71-0QjboC5NBaDcHbcaAtnzEALw_wcB)
That might bring her comfort. Good luck.