Toy that helps keep dad busy - Pop It

QuincyLF

Hi everyone.  I am new to the forum.  My father is 72 and is in stage 4/5.  Going on 4 years now.  He is physically very fit and besides this disease, in great shape.  He is a textbook case, however.  Pacing.  Antsy.  Aggression.  Likes car rides.  Great days.  Horrible days.  Some days he knows me.  Other days I am a stranger.  Isn't a fan of a shower.  On and on.  My mother is the primary caregiver.  

We discovered a great toy that keeps him busy for hours on end.  It may help some of you.  Just google "Pop It toy".  Does wonders.  Simple and keeps his hands busy when he is antsy.  We have about 5 lying around the house.  He likes the Rubik's cube as well.  I am always surprised he has extreme patience doing it.  And at times we can get him to color in a coloring book.  He likes to view what he has accomplished.  We also have some success having him do a puzzle (Amazon has a specific size for dementia patients - 36 pieces).

Just a few tips for those struggling with ideas of "what to do" to keep their loved one busy.

mommyandme (m&m)

Thank you, just ordered it for my mom!

Whyzit

I just ordered it too for DH age 80. Hope he loves it and also hope it doesn’t drive me crazy. I’ll just have to turn my hearing aids off. Lol

MN Chickadee

Yes! My mom with dementia loves pop-its. I have found most things  my elementary age kids likes means usually their grandma does too.  I also got a fidget mat from Etsy which was designed for dementia which she loves, it has zippers, ties, beads, clasps - lots of tactical feels to mess with.

Dutiful One

I am so glad to see these have been useful for your loved ones. In my work with children, I see these used daily. I have often wished I'd had them for my mom.  Pop-its come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, and are easily washed and stored.

wyoming daughter

I just ordered some too, Mom shreds up kleenex like crazy, hope this helps, thank you for posting.