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 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 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 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 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 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 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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