Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep my husband busy so he doesn't spend all day in front of the t.v.? He's so bored!

He has PD and dementia and the dementia is so severe he can't do puzzles, play games, do hand held games, etc. I think if I could find something to occupy his time, it would certainly help his morale and make him happy knowing he had a purpose and was helping or at least staying busy. I can see him declining fairly quickly after his last hospital stay. We can't communicate because of the severity of his dementia so it is really hard. He also has lost some of his strength and is weak and tired all the time. We see Movement Disorder Specialist on October 5th so hoping he can help. He was doing fairly well until his hospital stay a week or so ago and after getting Haldol in the hospital it seems he has worsened. I did just get the hospital care kit which is fantastic so will have that next time.

[Hidden]

To Raven:

Such a difficult point in the dementia journey - for you both. Big hug to both of you.

I am uncertain how able bodied he is - can he hold onto things? If yes ...

What would happen if you took the batteries out of the remote control? Would this prompt him to change the TV channel or turn the TV on or off? Is he able to either walk or roll (wheelchair) to the TV to manipulate the manual TV controls?

Any movement at all would help to regain strength. Even movement that has no purpose other than the movement itself could be beneficial to regaining his strength. It makes a bit more work for you but if it can help him then by all means encourage it.

Hand him a book (Could you hold this for me please?) - pause do something else - (Where did I put that book?) - pause - (Oh great, I was looking for that. Ta.) he hands it back etc.

The trick is to not frustrate but to engage and give purpose and meaning to the action (even if the only meaning is getting him to move). The key is interaction with another human being - making a connection - keeping him present in the moment aware (as aware as he can be). Giving him something to do is not always possible at this stage. Doing something with him tends to be more productive more possible.

As you know he thinks differently - he is likely no longer a self starter he needs to be prompted propelled - tap into the primal senses - the urge to mimic movement etc...

The movement disorder specialist should be of great help to you and to him.

Be certain you are not projecting your own feelings upon him. It must be considered that he might be at his limit - doing all he can. Of course, you want him to regain some vitality, but is that even possible at this point in his journey?

I hope this is of some help to you.

Be well. Best of luck. Carry on strong.

[jillannf6]

cN HE LISTEN TOMUSIC?

DID HE LIEK MUSIC 0IN THE PAST

OIT CAN OPEN DOORS

AND ENABLE JIM TO REMEMBER LITTLE THINGS

LOL jiLL

PS IF RHIS IS INAPPROPRIAT E I AM SORRY

[jjmoore]

I have the same problem with my husband. He does try to do the vacuuming for me and the washing up. Trouble is I have to play hide and seek as he can't remember where to put the things he has washed and they could be anywhere. Found the vacuum cleaner in the shed once. I would love him to do puzzles etc or read a book, but he just sits and often just looks at the carpet. What a terrible disease this is. Today is dementia was really bad so it is a very lonely life as you would know.

[TheGimba in reply to jjmoore]

So sorry to hear about your husband. Sometimes I think that these illnesses are just worse for the people that have to watch them happen and progress, very depressing. My thoughts are with you today.

[shasha]

you have my complete adnmiration my dear raven - it must be so very very hard to wtness and then try to engage or help someone with demtia

[PatV]

There's a fellow in my PD dance class who's wife makes him go to class with an escort. He is motivated because he flirts with me and the instructor, etc. He goes to a day center twice a week where they do all kinds of activities. And it's OK I hear just to sit through them, just being there is stimulating. Like watching a dance show on TV is good for me. Sometimes I sing along with Glee and pretend to dance.

[PatV]

whose wife I mean!!!

[Anemone]

My husband's mother enjoyed the box of large screws and nuts and bolts, etc. that we compiled for her. She would putter around with the box on a table near her or in her lap. It kept her hands busy and while she was messing about with these things, she seemed less distressed. Maybe other things he'd like to pick up and put together, take apart. Just a thought. Take heart. We're with you.

[Hidden in reply to Anemone]

This is a great idea and I am going to try it. We had a lot of coins in a container and he liked playing with those, separating, matching, etc. so the idea of nuts and bolts may work the same for him. Thank you so much!