Suggestions for Activities?

m3ghan

My DH was diagnosed about 3 months ago with EOAD, at age 57. His biggest symptom is aphasia/difficulty communicating, as well as loss of executive functioning. He does not have significant memory loss. He has no problem doing ADL, and can still go on walks solo, etc. Our issue is that the aphasia and loss of executive functioning has resulted in forced retirement, and he now spends his days doomscrolling through the internet and FB. I would be grateful for any suggestions to keep him occupied. Going for walks is a great outlet, but it doesn't take up the whole day. Would be grateful for some other ideas. Thank you in advance!!

sandwichone123

My spouse was at a similar place in his late 50s. He had a favorite computer game that he was still able to play for about 2-3 years, on easy mode. He loved to go on walks, and I was still working, but then he started saying (the best I could make out) that he was asked not to come back to certain places, and he started talking about "those kids" and how bad they were so he couldn't go on walks alone any more. I was afraid he'd get into a fight and/or get arrested.

At that point I figured either day care, I'd have to quit working, caregivers at home, or placement.

Day care's hours didn't mesh well with my job, but I did try them. My dh loved it when he was there, but he hated going and turned into an escape artist. I couldn't really afford the time to get him used to it.

I couldn't stand the idea of someone in my house, so caregivers at home were a last resort.

Either I could quit my job or place him. I didn't really want to give up the job, and I didn't want to find myself in my early 60s with no job, no contacts, and no recent experience, so I placed him. He is happy where he is, and the staff love him. He's been there just over 2 years, and because he saved for retirement I am optimistic that he will not outlive his funds.

SDianeL

many Alzheimer patients like music, old movies. Give him tasks to do. Fold clothes, dishes. Easy puzzles, coloring, paint by numbers. Unfortunately it’s difficult finding things they can do. You should soon limit his internet capabilities. Many people with Alzheimer’s have been victims of scams and have lost money trading stocks or lost retirement money being on the internet. His reasoner is broken so beware.

SDianeL

here are more suggestions: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities

annie51

I am assuming you’re asking about things he can do on his own? In my case we have to do everything together. When my DH wasn’t quite as far along as he is now, I tried to think of simple projects he could do for me (like putting up shelves, painting, etc). We also started playing pickleball back then and really enjoyed that for a while. It’s an easy game to learn and gave him some socialization also. Maybe that’s something he could try?
Now DH can’t do much but we still walk, bike ride, ice skate at the rink, go bowling, do jigsaw puzzles.

m3ghan

Thank you all for the wonderful ideas - I am implementing them and they are working, especially asking for his help in doing tasks around the house, and puzzles we can work on together.