My grandmother has been disabled from a stroke many many years ago. Only her right side works. She used to color and do word searches and read her bible and talk on the phone but now her eyesight and hearing has gotten so bad she can’t do any of that. Also in the past two years she has gradually had dementia on set and most days her comprehension isn’t great. She gets very bored and I don’t know what activities she can do. Any suggestions?
If your Grandma is still mobile, then getting her hearing amplifiers and doing something physical or tactile with her might be best: putting on music from her era and dancing with her. Or, having her smell fragrant things that you bring (flowers, spices, aromas). If she doesn't have back pain or arthritis she might enjoy a light massage (I know my elders really like it, you just have to be gentle). Maybe even a very gentle, careful foot or scalp massage with a lightly fragranced oil or medium? I hope you find something that you will both enjoy!
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/hobbies-for-blind-and-low-vision-seniors-429359.htm
You may find more ideas here
https://www.agingcare.com/search?term=dementia+activities
Also towel folding using bundles of hand towel and utility towels from Walmart.
Yarn winding from skein to balls.
Sorting screws or bolts with nuts to match. 3 sizes of each was plenty.
Having a variety of "chores" was good to occupy time and adding purpose
She is in AL but I am only 6 minutes away so I see her several times a week. And every Sunday we have dinner together. She loves to set the table, dry the dishes or put them away for me. I have found that giving mom tasks to make her feel useful, and being outdoors means a lot to her. And one day in my later years when I need assistance, I know my greatest desires will be the same as mom’s. I will want to be useful, be outdoors A LOT most of the time enjoying God’s creation, and be patiently cared for and understood. And most important of all, be cherished and loved. Knowing how I want to be cared for when I’m old, is my guide for mom’s care.
So, not just sympathy helps me but more so, empathy. And lots and lots of prayer.❤️
For my mother, who has dementia and is hard of hearing, I use a free app to make her books. In the books I put photos of family members. Each page has their name and how they are related to her. She goes over each book all day long. My mother has an older sister in another town. My cousin and I plan days for the sisters to do visits on zoom or face time or through messenger. We stay close by to help them understand each other. It brings all of us such joy as we listen to them talk about their own mother and father.