My dad is 92, has advancing dementia, and currently lives in an Assisted Living. He may move home soon. He was an engineer and was always very mentally active. His artistic talents range from singing, to playing various instruments, to many other creative projects. Now, I see him just staring at the TV all day and I’d like to find something that might be interesting to him, but not so challenging that he gets frustrated. I have a coloring book called “ocean wonders“ (for years we had tropical fish tanks in our house which were created and cared for by him) and It occurred to me that maybe that would be something that he could get into that would not be too frustrating (though the pictures are quite detailed-mostly like mosaics).
This is a whole new arena for me. I’d really like to see him using his brain in a creative way, but not sure if this would be too challenging. Does anybody have any thoughts? His birthday is 11/19 and I was hoping to give him the coloring book ... well, today. TIA!!
You didn't ask for advice on this, but why are you considering moving him back home? You do know that his disease will only advance, right? He will need constant care and supervision. Will he be living with you? Are you financially, physically and emotionally able to do this? Give this very, very careful consideration before you bring him home. It’s a noble idea but can go very, very bad,y.
I have seen many dementia patients who enjoy coloring. Try it out and see.
Does he have any instruments?Maybe he would still know how and enjoy playing?
And Happy Birthday to your Dad!
Specifically, my heart goes out to your longing that your clever, creative, inquisitive father goes on using his brain. I think you are probably empathising with him, and imagining to yourself the horror of being trapped in a nightmare of tedium and inactivity.
By all means offer him the colouring book - it sounds like a great choice, nothing twee or airy-fairy about it - and perhaps it will stimulate his interest. But prepare yourself in advance in case it sits there untouched.
I got my mother a map jigsaw, thinking that it wasn't too childish and she could use her good general knowledge to complete the puzzle easily, and it would encourage her. She remembered her manners all right and thanked me nicely but she couldn't do the puzzle. It was one of those moments that makes you wail internally.
Mind you. Even if your father doesn't use his book, you can when you visit him, and it will give you a focal point for conversation with him.
Would you like to say a little more about the idea that he may move home soon?
Anyone have any information along those lines. Maybe something electronic that would offer a mild challenge .
I feel if they didn't do it before they won't do it after. The memory has to be there somewhere. You can't teach a Dementia person something new. They no longer retain. I would try but don't be disappointed if he doesn't want to.
What I would do is sing with him. Take an instrument he used to play. My Aunt was well into ALZ when she was found in the common area playing the piano. Take a portable player with his favorite songs. Music seems to be the one thing they still can enjoy.