Activities to share and enjoy with a loved one who lives with Dementia or Alzheimer’s–
Recently, I learned that Amazon had complete sets of older televisions series from the 50′s and 60′s. I smiled and thought of Mom. She would love those shows because she loved to laugh! I have so many happy memories of watching comedy on TV with Mom.
Mom’s all-time favorite was Bob Barker and the “Price is Right.” She would laugh so hard watching Bob Barker that her eyes would tear-up. The more excited the contestant became, the more excited Mom became.
Shortly after breakfast every morning, Mom would ask, “Is it 10:00 0′clock yet?” And she would ask every 15 minutes until it was 10:00 o’clock. Mom was in late stage Alzheimer’s. She had long forgotten how to read the hands on a clock, or how to change the channels on a television or even how to turn it on–but she knew Bob Barker came on at 10:00 o’clock.
The good thing about cable television and modern electronics is the DVR. If you have Direct TV, it’s TIVO, or a recordable DVD Player. Mom could watch Bob Barker whenever she wanted. With several of his shows taped on the DVR, it could be 10:00 o’clock any time Mom wanted. If Mom was having a day full of agitation and upset, watching a comedy or musical show had a calming affect.
Mom was by no means addicted to television. She enjoyed a nice walk when the weather permitted. She loved her crayons and a “special” coloring book. She had a large bead box with 1″ beads and lots of yarn to make “pretend” necklaces for everyone in the family. So television wasn’t the center of her activities. But it did play a part in her recreation and brought some sweet rewards for the two of us together.
Usually, I did the early morning chores while Mom watched “Bob.” If I had the time, I’d sit beside her and share a laugh or two. Those moments hold such special memories now. Long after Mom had forgotten what the word “daughter” meant, we still shared a special bond in those moments when we watched TV. Mom would hold my hand and squeeze-tight in suspense, while the contestant tried for the big prize. For that moment, I was the kid again and she was the Mom.
A new friend wrote the other day that some of his happier memories are the hours he spends with his own father, who has Alzheimer’s, watching Johnny Carson’s DVD’s. What a great thing we have in these DVD’s and DVR’s and TIVO.
By middle stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia, they are no longer able to follow the story-line of most dramatic television. They get the gest of the story but as soon as it breaks for a commercial, memory is lost of the previous segment. You don’t have the same issue with a comedy or musical. Both bring pleasure to all ages and especially those afflicted with Dementia or Alzheimer’s! (Mom loved Lawrence Welk too.)
Below I’ve listed a few others that your loved one might enjoy. I wish I had known about Lucy while Mom was still with us. Surely she would have “Loved Lucy!”
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These ideas are wonderful!! Our company also produces simple puzzles to do with loved ones with images from the 30′s-60′s. Check them out on our website! We can also make custom puzzles with your own pictures.
I worked as a caregiver for my quad wife for 8 years and as a professional caregiver for another two years. During that time, there were many hours where we cold have been learning about each other and sharing that information with our grandchildren. After she passed on, I developed a tool that enabled activity, memory stimulation, memory recall, balance, and socialization all in one little book called, “Spin & Tell.”
It’s fun, entertaining, challenging, and it draws you in for many hours of enjoyment. You can see it on my web site listed above. Hope to hear from you.