Finding things to do

Isiah26:3

Hi!

I am searching for things for my dad to be able to do to allow me to get my homework done! i am currently in a doctoral program and a primary caretaker for my dad. He goes with either a family member or our caregiver while i am at school but once i get home i put him infront of the TV and he just watches the same thing on repeat over and over until bedtime. He sees a personal trainer every week (just to keep him active) because he REFUSES to sit still (drives me crazy but i guess its a good thing). when hes watching Tv he wont sit, he has to pace back and forth. he hates puzzels or anything "slow" like folding laundry or putting the dishes away. simply i have no idea what to do with him, especially when i need time to do my schoolwork. any ideas for someone who loves keeping busy, but cant really do anything without step by step placement/guidance?

Merry Christmas to everyone on this platform, prayers to you and your loved ones

JeriLynn66

Is it possible to hire someone to be with him while you do your schoolwork? Perhaps a student in one of the medical professions like nursing, physical/occupational/speech/recreational therapies? A local college may offer a job board?

SusanB-dil

Agree with JeriLynn, getting someone to at least stay with him for a bit while you do your schoolwork.

It sounds like he is sundowning. This is common. Often, a LO will attach themselves to one person as well, and not leave them alone.

Maybe a family member could be with him for a little while longer through the day?

Emily 123

Hello,

You may also want to discuss this with his provider. They may be able to prescribe a low dose med for anxiety that will help with his restlessness, or adjust current meds. This is not about sedating him, but rather about reducing the anxiety caused by the losses the disease incurs. He may want to follow his lifelong habits, gravitating to tasks that have always been meaningful to him, but can’t initiate or follow through because of how the disease affects executive ability. He may be stuck in a bit of a loop because of that.