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Looking for activities for my dad who has advanced dimension

FKAIROS
FKAIROS Member Posts: 2
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Hi-
My dad’s hobbies before Parkinson’s and procrastinating, dementia, or photography, reading, classical music., and the TV show Doc Martin
At this point, Doc Martin is too confusing for him and doesn’t want to watch it. I was able to find some simple books for dementia patients which he seems to enjoy. But perhaps for an hour or so a day.
I just ordered a 16 piece puzzle for us and his aide to help when needed
He also has his music on the background
I’m looking for more ideas to keep him engaged. I can tell he’s really bored even though he is also very tired most of the time.

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  • FKAIROS
    FKAIROS Member Posts: 2
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    Sorry should have said Parkinson’s and Parkinsonian dementia- advanced stage dementia
  • psg712
    psg712 Member Posts: 787
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    Sometimes we think our LO are bored, because they look that way - and we feel we would be bored in their situation. People with advanced dementia often don't have the mental capacity to initiate activities without guidance. They also don't keep focus on the activities for long. They tire easily because it is just too much for their brains to keep active all day.

    That said, if your dad is able to do simple tasks like sorting common objects, folding clothes, sweeping up after meals, those might fit for a while. If he enjoys the puzzle without getting too frustrated with it, go ahead and use it. Some folks like to color - I'd get simple, large picture coloring books like you'd use for small children, nothing too detailed. Just follow his lead - if he loses interest, don't push him to continue.

  • ​fesk
    ​fesk Member Posts: 600
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    edited May 12

    You can check this site: https://relish-life.com/en-us?srsltid=AfmBOooPNUt7xJe6c-Fq_5g1EmvFRJU8XUbeQF1nLdX9ZSGsi_rZ-tNw

    I purchased the watercolor set and it was used a lot. You "paint" with water and the pictures fill in all the colors.

    https://relish-life.com/en-us/collections/dementia-arts-and-crafts

    If that doesn't work, perhaps something else on the site will.

    Is he able to do any simple card games?

    These coloring books were also used quite a lot. There are phrases at the bottom that can be read and completed. There are a few different books in the series.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997788917?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

    Can you provide more information? Is he able to hold objects? Read a little?

  • Kiki87
    Kiki87 Member Posts: 5
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    One thing I've found that my moms like to do is label old family photos. She will write on the backs of them who's in the pic, the other thing sometimes I will give her a bunch of scrabble letters and let her make words (less effective as her dementia progresses). She mostly spends time watching TV so I try to put on things I know she can follow such as nature shows! That holds her attention and isnt confusing

  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 2,339
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    My mom likes you-tube. I sat up an account for her and started the algorithm with hints I know she likes. She doesn’t know how to search. She enjoys watching crafts and watching old music. You might try finding ones that just display a variety of pictures (like a screen saver) or play some classical music. This would add a visual element to the listening. There are many new musicians, he may have fun exploring and finding his favorites. The chicken soup books often have short stories. These might be easier for him to understand.

  • Grenah
    Grenah Member Posts: 55
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    Try subscribing to Zinnia TV. It is videos of animals, nature, cooking. Most of the videos run about half an hour. The music is soothing. No plot to decipher, no commercials, no violence. It's worth the $70 a year.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more