Not a big fan of games, except chess. Former music teacher. Used to do magic effects. Trying to stay in our home. He goes to a Senior Day Care program for 4 hours on 3 days per week and has a male caregiver come in on two to three days for 3 hours each. They play chess and occasionally walk in the yard. Need activities for other times when he is not in daycare and does not have a caregiver. Looking for quiet things he can do on his own instead of napping all the time.
He can sort and pair a large basket of colorful socks. He can pair nuts and bolts, sort playing cards by suit or numbers. He can be given a simple diagram to put together either Lego or Duplo blocks to make something (very simple and no "wrong way" to do it).
You will need to have tempered expectations regarding keeping him busy. Short memory won't allow most activities. My Aunt enjoyed looking at cat books with large pictures and a little bit of text, since she could still read, however she wanted to read TO us out loud. Eventually my Aunt enjoyed watching DVDs (mostly Disney, Pixar, etc) with happy endings and nothing negative/stressful/scary in them. She read the closed captions of the entire movie out loud to herself. She really couldn't follow the storyline but could "be ini the moment" from the action or songs. It kept her occupied for 1-1/2 hrs at a time.
And don't discount normal household tasks - dusting, setting the table or doing dishes, swiffering the floor...
And yes, eventually she just slept all day until we put her in memory care where they had a new activity every half hour or so. As you've seen, socialization and activities require others to make them work.
However, I did also use things from her career that she enjoyed. She was a homemaker and seamstress so I gave her yarn to roll into a ball, buttons to sort into colors etc. Someone else posted that their father was an accountant and they sorted coins. (just be careful if they try to place them in their mouth).
Perhaps there is an activity that is a reflection of his life's work that would be beneficial.
It does get harder as they progress in the disease. Mom's engagement declined...stopped watching TV, eventually stopped listening to music. It was always a challenge to keep her busy and energized.
I wish you much success.
But there's nothing wrong with napping a lot. I'm taking care of my 4th loved one with dementia, and their naps can be a blessing. You need a rest, and their brains need a rest also. At some point, stimulation seems like a waste of time. Don't overanxious it.
Put this in your search window, "aarp game suggestions for alzheimer's patient."
Google “kalimba” “reverie harp” “harmonica” “mini keyboard” for some ideas.
Don’t rely totally on Google site that talk about “music for dementia (Alzheimer’s, older people…..etc.)because as a former music teacher, he’s likely to have tastes that may be too specific to include music that appeals to the the untrained lay person.
Wanted to add, there are MANY MORE types of musical activities for him to try. If he’s able to do it, a visit to a local music store might reveal something that would capture his interest.
The goal is participation. He may still like listening, but actively hand on use of the instrument is more into what you’re looking for, I think.
If his insurance permits or he has enough money to self pay, he might really benefit from an evaluation by a trained, credentialed MUSIC THERAPIST. Google “music therapy” and BE SURE that the therapist has the appropriate credential.
Music actually CAN work miracles.
I also bought her puzzles to put together and paint by number sets.
She also enjoys adult coloring books.
-Luminosity.com
-Solitaire on the Internet
-Online Chess
Groups of Interest