Activities to Share
Activities to share and enjoy with a loved one who lives with Alzheimer’s Dementia
Recently, I learned that Amazon had complete sets of older televisions series
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
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
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 became 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
So television wasn’t the center of her activities. But it did play a part in her daily schedule and overall recreation time. And television 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
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 from their “good ole days!” I wish I had known about Lucy while Mom was still with us. Surely she would have “Loved Lucy!”
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I Love Lucy – Seasons 1-4More info12 Classic Television Comedies: 1950’s-60’sMore infoThe Ultimate Johnny Carson Collection – His Favorite Moments From The Tonight Show (Vols. 1-3) (1962-1992)More infoOn the Road With Bob Hope and Bing Crosby Collection (Road to Singapore/Road to Zanzibar/Road to Morocco/Road to Utopia)More infoThe Best of Art Linkletter’s Kids Say the Darndest Things, vol 1.More infoOld Age is Not for SissiesMore infoPeople Are Funny (16 Episodes on 3 Discs)More info
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Thank you for your valuable information. Alzheimer’s runs in my family.
I used to watch a lot of TV with Mom. She particularly liked Judge Judy – she called the judge type shows the ‘who’s the baby daddy’ shows. Some wonderful memories can be replayed just by replaying a show we watched together.
You are so right, Lori. I know the pleasure you had watching those shows.
For me and Mom it was Bob Barker and the Price Is Right. She had watched him on Truth or Consequences decades ago and never forgot what time that show came on. She didn’t know the time but would ask me all day long, “Is it time for Bob Barker?”
Thank goodness for Videos.
Thanks Lori, for the reminder
~Sandy
I appreciate the good information you are providing to help people who are diagnosed with any type of dementia. I have organized a group of ladies who make regularly scheduled visits to two of our friends with dementia. One has Alzheimer’s dementia and the other has micro-vascular dementia. We are not caregivers or teachers, simply friends who visit and do activities appropriate for encouraging each of our friends. I hope you will look at our website and tell me how to get our model of friendship visits to be used by those who know someone with any type of dementia. We are not selling anything or profit in any way. We just want to share what we think is a great idea. This has worked so well for our two friends that we want others to duplicate our simple idea…that of organizing friends to visit and engage that person in an activity that they will enjoy. Suggestions?
http://www.Lady-Links.com
Dennie, What a great idea. When my Mom still lived alone, she was only able to do that because a group of friends who lived nearby made constant visits and helped her out. Like you, they were more than happy to do that.
I would suggest that you open a Facebook “page” for sure. Many ideas have been spawned through Facebook. I will certainly look at your website and will post it on our Facebook page as well. Alzheimer’s Support
I just found that you do have a Facebook page and it’s so sweet to see all those smiling faces and knowing the good they do. The page for Lady Links (helping those with Alzheimer’s) is: Lady-Links on Facebook. Stop by, Like their page and say “hello!”
Thank you for contacting us and allowing us to recommend your delightful way of helping those with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Sandy
Thanks for sharing such a nice opinion, article is good,
thats why i have read it completely
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.
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.