Iâm sorry đ my dad has early onset Alzheimerâs and itâs hard. He likes to do what heâs always liked to do, tinker with things in the shed, woodwork type of stuff, fixing up surfboards, and heâs still able to at this point, even if he ends up repeating steps a few times. He likes nature docos and YouTube surf videos. All stuff heâs been into in the past. He likes hanging out with his mates who are sweethearts and keep him in line. Sounds like your friend is more advanced then my dad and I donât have experience with that, but soon will. I just wanted to share the little I know.
Are there any old hobbies your friend has that maybe she fell out of the habit of? I donât know, knitting, drawing, colouring in? Of she enjoyed birds or wildlife maybe some picture heavy books about that stuff?
Comment on Discussion Thread đŽ Sunday 23 November 2025
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
I have a question for those whoâve had people with dementia around. My very beautiful old friend has been moved into full nursing home which is what she needs but I saw her yesterday and she is a bit confused about why she is moved, and she is sad and bored. She can no longer read, she now struggles to use the phone, she watches the news on the telly but doesnât have the interest in anything else, and she has a walker to get around but in a new place doesnât know many people and doesnât know the floorplan etc.
Sheâs bored. She has family visitors and stuff but itâs so long stuck in a room. I hung a couple of photos up that remind her of special things but is there anything I can do or suggest to local family to help keep her occupied during the day? Sheâs at that sad sad place where sheâs lost her ability to do things before the desire. I am at a loss and I live too far away to visit more than once every few months.
Sorry for the wall of text I think I needed to get that out. Any ideas??
Force_majeure112@lemmy.world â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Hugs. Yes that friend support is critical. And just self care help. Yesterday I just sat and talked and clipped her nails and lots of hugs. My friend is a nun so much or her life revolved around community and study and at least there are still lots of people helping and advocating for her now.
She did lots of crafts like embroidery and sewing but long way past it now. I like the idea of photo books and I just found a one button music player for old folk. I am going to get that and load it up with classical music which is another love (she was a piano and music teacher for 50 years). Thanks
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
So sorry to hear that about your friend.
What surprises me w/ my olâ girl (different sort of dementia though) is chuck her in front of piano and away she goes (she was a muso). Maybe a keyboard?
Eagle@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Brains are such complex things. I once looked after a lady who lost her speech because of a massive stroke. Put some ABBA on and listen to her sing, word and pitch perfect though!
Seagoon_@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Are there any crafts she can do?
Lego?
Jigsaws?
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Not anymore but see my response to Force. And thanks
Seagoon_@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
So sorry, I was trying to think of activities that are easy but can be interesting too,
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
I appreciate it. Itâs a really hard stage
PeelerSheila@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
I havenât had any experience with people with the more advanced situation your friend has (mum was just starting to show signs when she passed away). But perhaps those schemes where people get visits from volunteers to have a cuppa and a chat might help pass the time?
melbaboutown@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
This really sucks for her⌠I can well relate to the loss of ability to do activities before the desire. And a lot of easy activities can feel patronising or boring.
Would she have any interest in scrapbooking or collage? Watercolours? Does her facility have any art sessions or activities to help residents mix?
She might not be interested in anything other than the news but wondering if documentaries might help.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
thatâs why I suggested podcasts, they can be interesting
melbaboutown@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Also I donât know what stage sheâs at or what her capabilities are so Iâm really sorry if I suggest something that is way too basic or for people who are in more advanced stagesâŚ
But I heard some people with dementia benefit from a fiddle mat or blanket, itâs this thing with attachments to twiddle and zips or huge buttons. Itâs something to just play with that might help self soothe and occupy her a bit.
A really nice soft toy to hold might be comforting too.
It sucks to be in a strange lonely place and confused about why. Iâm glad youâre here for her.
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Thanks thatâs a nice idea
anotherspringchicken@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Iâm so sorry, itâs such a difficult thing to navigate, both for the person and their loved ones. My dad and a couple of other close family members experienced this and it was really hard.
If your friend likes reading, could she access recorded stories? Is there someone who can take her to church if sheâd like to do that?
I think just visiting when you can, and maybe taking her for a walk (if possible) or drive, if thatâs an option. Just so she gets out & about a bit. Could you talk to her on the phone, too? That might help her feel more connected.
Pilk@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Iâm not sure if youâve stumbled across Teepa Snow but sheâs a multi-decade occupational therapist and dementia educator. If you search âboredâ on her YouTube at least three of those videos talk about helping with boredom. All of her stuff is amazing though and targeted at the person or people caring for the person with dementia.
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Oh thanks I will take a look