Activities for Mom

slpllu12

I'm new here and looking forward to getting some info on navigating this tough time! My mom (71) has been diagnosed with dementia. She is still living at home with my Dad and is ok, but she wants something to do. I think she's missing work and being involved more significantly in church. I'm wondering if anyone has any repetitive activities I could bring over that would give her something to do. I was thinking something I take over and come back and pick up and bring her a new set. It doesn't have to be anything productive, just something to keep her occupied when she's looking for something. Any advice is appreciated!

dancsfo

It depends on the stage one is in, but did your mom enjoy games? Or perhaps easy puzzles? If it's too difficult, it may become frustrating though.

https://www.sovahealthcare.co.uk/blog/games-to-help-with-dementia-our-top-5/

rosecoloredglasses

My mom really enjoys crossword puzzles! It's something that keeps them occupied and gives them a sense of completion when they figure out a word. It's been amazing for her since she's had to stop working. I also highly recommend video games! As silly as it sounds, simple games like tetris or mario kart always stimulate her and make her all happy (it's mainly the pretty colors haha.) It'll take some time and trying a bunch of different things, but once something sticks you'll have it to entertain her for a while! Much love for you, your father, and your mom.

dancsfo

On top of that, I understand your mom already has been diagnosed with dementia, but a bit of gaming perhaps can stave off or slow down further decline, according to this study.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/video-games-show-potential-improving-key-aspects-memory-older-adults

https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-dementia/memory-games-for-dementia#best-games-to-play

harshedbuzz

She might be a good candidate for a couple days a week at a day program. You could present it as "volunteering" at the seniors' center.

HB

am.aguilar

I would agree that a day program might be a good option if you have one in your area. Sometimes the cost may even be covered by insurance. We have a few options near us that even are associated with Alzheimer's community. My mom started attending one earlier this year and it has been a great place for her to go a few times a week for just a few hours. She looks forward to seeing "friends" and partaking in the various activities like Bingo or chair exercises, singing, etc.

If taking your mom to a center is not possible, Amazon has great "large print" word searches or different activity books that include a variety of coloring pages, crosswords, mazes, etc. I would even look for those workbooks kids complete when they are learning sentences like "fill the blank" to the sentence or find the rhyming words, etc. Even a very basic kid game like memory might bring her enjoyment or simple puzzles with a low count of pieces.

My mom is not very technology savvy, but if your mom can navigate an iPad or such, you could download various apps or games like card games/solitaire/bingo, or quiz question games.