I need some ideas for keeping my mom occupied. She is so bored, especially when I am trying to clean house. She lays down a while, gets up and paces, sits a bit. She isn't interested in TV or music, can't really read, nor do puzzles. I tried coloring books even. I feel I am letting her down by not finding something to entertain her. We have a great center for Alz/dementia folks, but she refuses to go anywhere (I still struggle to get her to the doctor).
Thank you on advance for any suggestions.
From my observations, activities the dementia patients engage in are often done only with the direct lead or instruction from another. They aren't inclined to stay engaged in the activity on their own accord. Even if I am trying to keep my cousin engaged in an activity, she is prone to lose focus and withdraw. The mental capacity is just not there.
Of course. each person is different, but I think that sometimes our expectations of what they are capable of might be too grand. We are imaging how we might seek mental stimulation. I have to step back and really examine what they are capable of. I have to keep readjusting my expectation.
Do you think that interaction or doing something together might stimulate her?
I don't recall if the Alzheimer's website has activity suggestions but you might try that.
Do any of the neighbors have pets they could bring over? Perhaps just petting a dog might allow her to focus her attention.
Wish I could think of something to offer but I can't; it is a difficult and challenging situation.