Boredom

JM27

So it been almost 8 months since a moved my dad in. He still thinks he’s visiting.

I work a time job from home and mainly the sole care giver for him.

When he first got here his sleep pattern was off and he would sleep till 2pm if I didn’t wake him.

He’s timing has recently changed which I feel is a good thing and now he’s awake by 10am.

He showers and eats and then wants to turn on the tv. I have to work a few more hours after that so it’s ok. But he can sit outside in the secure yard or we have things such as magazines, cross word puzzle or other items to keep him busy. But he chooses tv.

But he will say this is the most tv I’ve watched in years. I told him you come in and turn it on? He says I guess out of boredom.

I’m not sure what else I can do. Once I am finally finished with work for the day I take him out to our lake/park and we walk for about an hour we take our time and sometimes we spot interesting things in nature to look at and converse about.
sometimes the walk is quiet and we just enjoy the outdoors.

He’s never been into anything or one to tinker with anything.

Before I moved him out here he was withdrawing from socialization and wasn’t doing much of anything.

I feel there should be more I can do but how and what? The. I think even if I had a parade thru the house everyday he still would be bored.

When I got to the store I bring him along but then he wants to wait in the car most times. Most times he may not remember we did anything the day before if we do an activity like bowling.

There are not day programs available in my area.

Any suggestions?

H1235

I wonder if he is truly bored. Could it be that all the activity of the grocery store etc. is too stimulating for him? He might be content doing nothing. Or maybe actives are over stimulating and confusing, but just sitting is boring. There will come a time when even the tv is too much to follow and not really an option. It’s nice that you take him for walks (exercise, time together, nature, relaxing). Enjoy that time together.

JM27

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/237583#Comment_237583

Thank you H1235,

I didn’t think about things being over stimulating. I appreciate the response.

jen ht

Hi JM

Good to see your name pop up. I think of you often and wonder how you are getting along.

Your walks sound so good. You are doing so well with "this". I know it is so very hard.

Take care. Mainly wanted to say hello and wish you well. 💜

I agree with H above about the possible over stimulation or confusion.

I agree with what you said about the parade too.

jht

JM27

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/237613#Comment_237613

Hi Jen ht,

Awh Thank you for thinking of me and your well wishes. You have also crossed my mind as well. Hope all is well.

ronda b

Could he possibly put dishes away. Fold laundry?

JM27

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/237756#Comment_237756

He doesn’t want to help lol. I do put his laundry unfolded on his bed so he can fold and he will do that.