[jkl123]

I hope this is the right place to post this.
Recently, my 65 year-old mother moved with us... she has early stages of dementia and can't do a lot of the things she used to do. She gets very bored - I homeschool my kids, plus run a photography business, so I don't have a lot of time on my hands. Or any family close by to help. I would LOVE ideas of some craft things she could make to keep her occupied. She used to love to knit, but isn't able to now. I know she would love to do crafts, and I think it would help boost her moods - I just can't sit with her for hours showing her step-by-step how to do things. Does anyone have any ideas of easy crafts she could do on her own?? I would be VERY grateful.
Being that it's Sept. already, I was thinking Christmas-y stuff that she could make and sell or give away... any suggestions - pretty please????

[Alejandros Mommy]

As a nurse, I worked in an Alz/dementia ward and can tell you that if you can't spend the time with her crafts are not the way to go. I would suggest music therapy. Other things that work are balloons...if you or your kids have some time. Its fun and distracts not only your kid but your mom as well.

Also, since you have decided to take your mom into your house I would make time for her...people with dementia need one on one care. Take an hour a day and devote this to your mom...take her for a stroll or read her a book...anything that she is interested in. Hope this helps a bit

[jkl123]

We do that - I don't want to sound like I NEVER spend time with her. I'm trying to come up with things for her to do while I am teaching the kids, or working on my computer. She gets bored and either sits on the swing for hours on end, or watchs TV - neither of which is good for her. She is still able to do a lot (it's early dementia, so her communication/understanding is there for the most part), but I am not able to spend one-on-one time with her CONSTANTLY. Believe me, I would if I could, but there is only one of me. No one else in my family will help me (and believe me, I've tried that route!) and she she does NOT want to go into a nursing home (she's only 65 and is aware enough to get upset when it is talked about).
So, just trying to keep her mind active for when I am doing other things... thanks for the suggestions, though!

[Alejandros Mommy]

How about puzzles? We used to have a BIG table on our unit and we picked out a Big puzzle..it'll keep her busy and keep her mind busy as well. You could also try painting...it'll help her creativity and I bet she'll love it

[swt1899]

Any kind of arts and crafts are good. Sometimes this is theraputic for them... and you.
Reading is also another good one. Lots of books and magazines. My grandmother had alzheimer's and she read all the time. It helped.

[QueenAngie]

Folding clothes out of the dryer is always good.

Patients that get really anxious on the nursing unit,
we give them a stack of washclothes to fold,
and they enjoy that. Plus it would get some of your linens done.

How about painting ceramics?
Cute ornaments for the holidays?
She could sit beside the home schoolers and be painting them
while you are studying w/ the kids.
Even if she painted them a solid color, they'd be pretty.
Sparkly irridescent white
or silver
or gold
or red
would be pretty in a solid color.

Next idea:
is a clear plastic 2 piece Christmas ball ornament.
(They come in glass, but I'd worry about broken glass.)
Squirt several different colors -
red & gold
or blue & silver
or green & silver -
on the inside of the ornament.
Place the ornament together
and slowly twirl the ornament like rolling a ball to cover the inside. Will turn out like a beautiful marble color.
Let dry. Add a bow.



Can she make knots?
Like the 1st part of tying her shoes = twice?
Have her take several Christmas fabrics in prints & colors
and cut them w/ pinking sheers 1" by 6 - 8" in length.
Using a wooden or wire ring, tie knots with the fabric all the way around for a wreath.
Add a bow for a wreath.

Here is another Christmas tree idea -
Tomato cages are made out of metal.
Bend the top few wires to form the top of the tree.
Cover w/ 1 strand of Christmas lights. Does not have to be
a partricular pattern.
Cover with 2 - 4 pkgs of garland.
Can add bows if you like.
These are lovely.

Do you have an adult daycare facility locally?
Could she attend a couple days a week for socialization?
Yes, this is private pay.

Not certain of your location,
but in the USA, Dept of Aging could be contacted to see if your mother would qualify for a homemaker 2 -3 mornings per week. Depending on her income, it could be free.
Doesn't hurt to follow this avenue to check.

Hope that these might help you.

There is a special place in heaven for daughters like you,
taking your mother into your home.
(((Hugs)))

[jkl123]

Thanks you soooo much for the ideas!! I like the puzzle idea - we recently built her her own room, and there's a small table in there that would be perfect. She does like to read, but has had some problems with her glasses lately.

QueenAngie - love your ornament suggestions and am going to the craft store tomorrow morning!!

We do have a senior center, and she has lunch there once a week. And she does have someone come into the home 1x a week for a few hours, so I can get shopping done. And it can be difficult at times, but so worth it... it's hard watching this happen to your mom and knowing there's nothing to be done, really.

Again, thanks for the suggestions - much appreciated!

[Alejandros Mommy]

I'm glad they helped

[shellie872]

how about books on tape.the library has them and maybe she would enjoy listening to them.

[MamaWrites]

Here is a cute idea she could try.

Alphabet Block Wreath