Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, octoryrose@... writes: I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? Arlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 Thank you so much for the info. Good ideas.! I have to try something. Arlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 Sure - don't know if any of them work - but have them all in her NH bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have all the small things in a tupperware bin in her drawer... * Balls - those kind that are like exercise balls for the hands - have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one has water inside, all have a different texture type. I felt that it would help if mom squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to the other. She does like the feel of them in her hands. * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the yarns were so bright and colorful and when I showed it to her she picked up the needles and was moving them as though she was knitting w/ no yarn. Haven't had time to reintroduce her to this since the biopsy. But can unravel all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - if all else fails. * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet but she was moving the NH Dominoes around one time * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " - with made up rules - when she was in the hospital * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using large photos - this one is too small... * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in the hospital I thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in the bed and look at the book together - she wasn't too comfortable with me laying with her LOL She probably wondered what was I doing?! (But the next day when I visited her in the hospital with my brother she said - " Why don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - " You want me to climb into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the daffodils (my uncle had given her some daffodils) and too. " LOL (this was before the biopsy) * Couple of Books with short stories for me to read to her - was going to get the large type books but she was never a reader anyway so decided to get short stories for me to read to her instead. Haven't attempted yet... * Slinky - she likes to hold it. * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of paper - she wasn't really interested * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was always on her lap - so I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her lap to pat - to give comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - sometimes she likes it, sometimes it gets her all upset over her own dog. (The latter was early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting her) * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold onto a stuffed animal for comfort. * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold with it's bright colors. * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom was in the hospital but haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when I'm there alone all day and see if there's interest. (also saw a paint a bird house kit in the hospital gift shop and was tempted to get it too - but as you see I have tons of stuff already - so will wait on that) * Jigsaw Puzzle - haven't attempted that yet and it's big pieces - again, thought we could try this together * Bright pink pom pom scarf - saw it and thought it would be a comforting thing to hold and mom did enjoy trying to rip off the pom poms. * Yatzee - got the dice and the book (the book is for my benefit) - tried this for the first time the other day and mom wouldn't let go of the dice - maybe I'll attempt it again later... * Circle a Word book - haven't attempted this and I doubt she'll get it - she never liked these books before she got sick... * Magnetic Shape Toy - it's a toy with shapes and it's magnetic to allow you to build other shapes (??) haven't attempted this. * Hand Exercise Gripper thing - it's a real exercise thing for the hands - don't know what you call it - mom actually used this for a bit - but it was probably by memory b/c she had broke her wrist years ago and she had to use this thing daily as part of therapy. * Think that's it - except that mom has tons of ballet videos to watch and tons of CDs with a wide variety of music she enjoys ( Boccelli, classical, religious, bachatas, Spanish, ballet, etc.) Definitely see a difference with her when she listens to music she loves. One visit she was very coma-like in her chair and she became much more alert with the bachatas - it even triggered her trying to communicate about Dom. Rep. - although she couldn't get many words out I knew what she was trying to say... * I'm always picking up something at stores like KMart and Target and the dollar store - thinking I'll find some miraculous thing she'll enjoy. It's kind of an addictive habit lately. If you haven't figured it out - I'm the type of person who is always trying to " fix " things... * Oh - and one thing I intend to get but haven't yet - a gardening kit - mom was an avid gardener and I think I'll be successful with that. Let her get her hands dirty with the soil. It'll have to be small enough for the nursing home... ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 Oh -- and found this on the web and thought I could come up with similar stuff and make my own " memory kit " - haven't done it yet... http://www.totalqualitycare.com/products.html http://www.bifolkal.org/bf_product.html (these items seem to be at many libraries around the country - of course not available at a library near me, however - but if you do a google search for 'bifolkal' you'll find many libraries pop up) ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 You really have comeup with some clever toy ideas. We had some for my Dad, but not near as many. The toy that gave Dad the most comfort was his doll, which we gave to Dad at the end of his life through desperation. Dad took 24 hour charge of his baby. He held her all the time and you could even hear him kissing his doll during the middle of the night. His main concern was keeping her warm. He would place his hand over her forehead to warm her. We knew this was the only thing Dad could take comfort in and it gave him a purpose, but at the same time it drew critisim from my brother and other family friends. To him it was real and the baby doll gave him a purpose. I think your Mom will really enjoy gardening. My Dad had the opportunity at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital to make a potted plant. He was so proud of his accomplishment. To tell you the truth, I forgot all about the plant until 2 days ago. I went over to my Mother's house, looks like a tropical paradise, and she offered me a plant. I was puzzled because my Mother knows I am not particularly fond of plants. They are too much work. She proceeded to tell me it was the plant my Dad potted 5 years ago. Instead of a little sprig, it is now a full and trailing vine in a floor stand. I gladly accepted the plant knowing the feeling of accomplishment that Dad felt that day. Under Dad's hospital bed, we kept our supply of toys which we had collected over the years. Dad would try a toy once or twice and say " I don't want to do this. " However, the toys were not a waste. Dad got the most benefit from these toys when the Grand/great grandchildren came to visit. Dad loved watching the children who ranged from little ones to 19 yrs. play with his collection of toys. Thanks. Your ideas are great! Gerry Deverell Wilmington, De. Temp 48 & cloudy Re: Toys Sure - don't know if any of them work - but have them all in her NH bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have all the small things in a tupperware bin in her drawer... * Balls - those kind that are like exercise balls for the hands - have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one has water inside, all have a different texture type. I felt that it would help if mom squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to the other. She does like the feel of them in her hands. * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the yarns were so bright and colorful and when I showed it to her she picked up the needles and was moving them as though she was knitting w/ no yarn. Haven't had time to reintroduce her to this since the biopsy. But can unravel all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - if all else fails. * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet but she was moving the NH Dominoes around one time * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " - with made up rules - when she was in the hospital * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using large photos - this one is too small... * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in the hospital I thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in the bed and look at the book together - she wasn't too comfortable with me laying with her LOL She probably wondered what was I doing?! (But the next day when I visited her in the hospital with my brother she said - " Why don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - " You want me to climb into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the daffodils (my uncle had given her some daffodils) and too. " LOL (this was before the biopsy) * Couple of Books with short stories for me to read to her - was going to get the large type books but she was never a reader anyway so decided to get short stories for me to read to her instead. Haven't attempted yet... * Slinky - she likes to hold it. * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of paper - she wasn't really interested * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was always on her lap - so I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her lap to pat - to give comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - sometimes she likes it, sometimes it gets her all upset over her own dog. (The latter was early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting her) * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold onto a stuffed animal for comfort. * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold with it's bright colors. * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom was in the hospital but haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when I'm there alone all day and see if there's interest. (also saw a paint a bird house kit in the hospital gift shop and was tempted to get it too - but as you see I have tons of stuff already - so will wait on that) * Jigsaw Puzzle - haven't attempted that yet and it's big pieces - again, thought we could try this together * Bright pink pom pom scarf - saw it and thought it would be a comforting thing to hold and mom did enjoy trying to rip off the pom poms. * Yatzee - got the dice and the book (the book is for my benefit) - tried this for the first time the other day and mom wouldn't let go of the dice - maybe I'll attempt it again later... * Circle a Word book - haven't attempted this and I doubt she'll get it - she never liked these books before she got sick... * Magnetic Shape Toy - it's a toy with shapes and it's magnetic to allow you to build other shapes (??) haven't attempted this. * Hand Exercise Gripper thing - it's a real exercise thing for the hands - don't know what you call it - mom actually used this for a bit - but it was probably by memory b/c she had broke her wrist years ago and she had to use this thing daily as part of therapy. * Think that's it - except that mom has tons of ballet videos to watch and tons of CDs with a wide variety of music she enjoys ( Boccelli, classical, religious, bachatas, Spanish, ballet, etc.) Definitely see a difference with her when she listens to music she loves. One visit she was very coma-like in her chair and she became much more alert with the bachatas - it even triggered her trying to communicate about Dom. Rep. - although she couldn't get many words out I knew what she was trying to say... * I'm always picking up something at stores like KMart and Target and the dollar store - thinking I'll find some miraculous thing she'll enjoy. It's kind of an addictive habit lately. If you haven't figured it out - I'm the type of person who is always trying to " fix " things... * Oh - and one thing I intend to get but haven't yet - a gardening kit - mom was an avid gardener and I think I'll be successful with that. Let her get her hands dirty with the soil. It'll have to be small enough for the nursing home... ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 My mom's roommate loves her doll. She's so sweet with it. Mom's not at that point yet, but I'm sure she will be one to enjoy it eventually b/c she LOVES BABIES - I think if her mind didn't register that it was a doll she'd enjoy holding / loving a doll now. But I think she realizes it's a doll and is not interested (yet). I actually have a plant at home (I'm not a green thumb) but it looks like it needs repotting - maybe I'll do that with mom. Have her help me repot it - and it will probably be 'the blind leading the blind' at this point cuz I have no clue about plants... But it'll be fun nonetheless... Thanks for sharing your story. Your dad sounds so sweet. > > > > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > > octoryrose@ writes: > > > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you > have used? > > Arlene > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 : Your list of toys was amazing! My sisters and I are always looking for things to do with Mum especially on those days when the weather is not good for getting some fresh air or he residence is in quarantine. I forwarded the list to my sisters and Kathleen went shopping at lunch. Allow me to share her e-mail to me - <-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\ --------------------------------------> I went and bought 3 toys. 1) A 100 piece Ravensburger puzzle where the pieces are quite a nice size. It also glows in the dark! 2) A baby slinky. It was all they had and will probably get lost but it only cost $1.99 3) A barrel 'o Monkeys. Remember that game, where you pick up the monkeys with the monkeys?. Unfortunately the monkeys are all green. The game I remember had different coloured monkeys. Oh well, I had to open the package to find out. It looks smaller that I remembered as well. Only $3.99. If Mum isn't completely exhausted on Saturday after swimming, she'll certainly have lots to do. Kathleen <-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\ ------------------------------------> I will be sure to let you know how it goes. Thanks for the great ideas. from Cresswell, Ontario (long-distance CG to Margaret in Toronto, born 1930, diag LBD 01/05) octoryrose wrote: Sure - don't know if any of them work - but have them all in her NH bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have all the small things in a tupperware bin in her drawer... * Balls - those kind that are like exercise balls for the hands - have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one has water inside, all have a different texture type. I felt that it would help if mom squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to the other. She does like the feel of them in her hands. * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the yarns were so bright and colorful and when I showed it to her she picked up the needles and was moving them as though she was knitting w/ no yarn. Haven't had time to reintroduce her to this since the biopsy. But can unravel all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - if all else fails. * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet but she was moving the NH Dominoes around one time * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " - with made up rules - when she was in the hospital * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using large photos - this one is too small... * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in the hospital I thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in the bed and look at the book together - she wasn't too comfortable with me laying with her LOL She probably wondered what was I doing?! (But the next day when I visited her in the hospital with my brother she said - " Why don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - " You want me to climb into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the daffodils (my uncle had given her some daffodils) and too. " LOL (this was before the biopsy) * Couple of Books with short stories for me to read to her - was going to get the large type books but she was never a reader anyway so decided to get short stories for me to read to her instead. Haven't attempted yet... * Slinky - she likes to hold it. * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of paper - she wasn't really interested * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was always on her lap - so I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her lap to pat - to give comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - sometimes she likes it, sometimes it gets her all upset over her own dog. (The latter was early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting her) * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold onto a stuffed animal for comfort. * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold with it's bright colors. * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom was in the hospital but haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when I'm there alone all day and see if there's interest. (also saw a paint a bird house kit in the hospital gift shop and was tempted to get it too - but as you see I have tons of stuff already - so will wait on that) * Jigsaw Puzzle - haven't attempted that yet and it's big pieces - again, thought we could try this together * Bright pink pom pom scarf - saw it and thought it would be a comforting thing to hold and mom did enjoy trying to rip off the pom poms. * Yatzee - got the dice and the book (the book is for my benefit) - tried this for the first time the other day and mom wouldn't let go of the dice - maybe I'll attempt it again later... * Circle a Word book - haven't attempted this and I doubt she'll get it - she never liked these books before she got sick... * Magnetic Shape Toy - it's a toy with shapes and it's magnetic to allow you to build other shapes (??) haven't attempted this. * Hand Exercise Gripper thing - it's a real exercise thing for the hands - don't know what you call it - mom actually used this for a bit - but it was probably by memory b/c she had broke her wrist years ago and she had to use this thing daily as part of therapy. * Think that's it - except that mom has tons of ballet videos to watch and tons of CDs with a wide variety of music she enjoys ( Boccelli, classical, religious, bachatas, Spanish, ballet, etc.) Definitely see a difference with her when she listens to music she loves. One visit she was very coma-like in her chair and she became much more alert with the bachatas - it even triggered her trying to communicate about Dom. Rep. - although she couldn't get many words out I knew what she was trying to say... * I'm always picking up something at stores like KMart and Target and the dollar store - thinking I'll find some miraculous thing she'll enjoy. It's kind of an addictive habit lately. If you haven't figured it out - I'm the type of person who is always trying to " fix " things... * Oh - and one thing I intend to get but haven't yet - a gardening kit - mom was an avid gardener and I think I'll be successful with that. Let her get her hands dirty with the soil. It'll have to be small enough for the nursing home... ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 Commendations to both of you for having both the desire and fortitude to try to do things with your loved one in the NF. The activity director at the facility we had my Dad at last year could have learned a thing or two from you , that is for sure. You have a virtual activity cart there at your own disposal. Best of luck with all of them. Renae, Nebraska, father diagnosed 10/31/05, died 11/07/05. Was in facility for 6 months. Skrabek wrote: : Your list of toys was amazing! My sisters and I are always looking for things to do with Mum especially on those days when the weather is not good for getting some fresh air or he residence is in quarantine. I forwarded the list to my sisters and Kathleen went shopping at lunch. Allow me to share her e-mail to me - <-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\ --------------------------------------> I went and bought 3 toys. 1) A 100 piece Ravensburger puzzle where the pieces are quite a nice size. It also glows in the dark! 2) A baby slinky. It was all they had and will probably get lost but it only cost $1.99 3) A barrel 'o Monkeys. Remember that game, where you pick up the monkeys with the monkeys?. Unfortunately the monkeys are all green. The game I remember had different coloured monkeys. Oh well, I had to open the package to find out. It looks smaller that I remembered as well. Only $3.99. If Mum isn't completely exhausted on Saturday after swimming, she'll certainly have lots to do. Kathleen <-------------------------------------------------------------------------------\ ------------------------------------> I will be sure to let you know how it goes. Thanks for the great ideas. from Cresswell, Ontario (long-distance CG to Margaret in Toronto, born 1930, diag LBD 01/05) octoryrose wrote: Sure - don't know if any of them work - but have them all in her NH bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have all the small things in a tupperware bin in her drawer... * Balls - those kind that are like exercise balls for the hands - have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one has water inside, all have a different texture type. I felt that it would help if mom squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to the other. She does like the feel of them in her hands. * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the yarns were so bright and colorful and when I showed it to her she picked up the needles and was moving them as though she was knitting w/ no yarn. Haven't had time to reintroduce her to this since the biopsy. But can unravel all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - if all else fails. * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet but she was moving the NH Dominoes around one time * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " - with made up rules - when she was in the hospital * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using large photos - this one is too small... * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in the hospital I thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in the bed and look at the book together - she wasn't too comfortable with me laying with her LOL She probably wondered what was I doing?! (But the next day when I visited her in the hospital with my brother she said - " Why don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - " You want me to climb into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the daffodils (my uncle had given her some daffodils) and too. " LOL (this was before the biopsy) * Couple of Books with short stories for me to read to her - was going to get the large type books but she was never a reader anyway so decided to get short stories for me to read to her instead. Haven't attempted yet... * Slinky - she likes to hold it. * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of paper - she wasn't really interested * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was always on her lap - so I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her lap to pat - to give comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - sometimes she likes it, sometimes it gets her all upset over her own dog. (The latter was early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting her) * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold onto a stuffed animal for comfort. * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold with it's bright colors. * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom was in the hospital but haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when I'm there alone all day and see if there's interest. (also saw a paint a bird house kit in the hospital gift shop and was tempted to get it too - but as you see I have tons of stuff already - so will wait on that) * Jigsaw Puzzle - haven't attempted that yet and it's big pieces - again, thought we could try this together * Bright pink pom pom scarf - saw it and thought it would be a comforting thing to hold and mom did enjoy trying to rip off the pom poms. * Yatzee - got the dice and the book (the book is for my benefit) - tried this for the first time the other day and mom wouldn't let go of the dice - maybe I'll attempt it again later... * Circle a Word book - haven't attempted this and I doubt she'll get it - she never liked these books before she got sick... * Magnetic Shape Toy - it's a toy with shapes and it's magnetic to allow you to build other shapes (??) haven't attempted this. * Hand Exercise Gripper thing - it's a real exercise thing for the hands - don't know what you call it - mom actually used this for a bit - but it was probably by memory b/c she had broke her wrist years ago and she had to use this thing daily as part of therapy. * Think that's it - except that mom has tons of ballet videos to watch and tons of CDs with a wide variety of music she enjoys ( Boccelli, classical, religious, bachatas, Spanish, ballet, etc.) Definitely see a difference with her when she listens to music she loves. One visit she was very coma-like in her chair and she became much more alert with the bachatas - it even triggered her trying to communicate about Dom. Rep. - although she couldn't get many words out I knew what she was trying to say... * I'm always picking up something at stores like KMart and Target and the dollar store - thinking I'll find some miraculous thing she'll enjoy. It's kind of an addictive habit lately. If you haven't figured it out - I'm the type of person who is always trying to " fix " things... * Oh - and one thing I intend to get but haven't yet - a gardening kit - mom was an avid gardener and I think I'll be successful with that. Let her get her hands dirty with the soil. It'll have to be small enough for the nursing home... ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 When Mom went to Day care they had The Sound of Music. She would watch this movie over and over and you could start it and stop it anywhere, as they sometimes did from week to week. I got it for at home and she never tired to seeing it. Hope this adds to the " list. " Donna R Do you want to read more about Lewy Body? You can also read the Thistle, the LBD Newsletter. Just click on: http://www.lewybodydementia.org Re: Re: Toys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 Great idea! Mom would love that! That's going on my list - and when I'm in the store I bet I'll see other musicals that would be perfect. Thanks for sharing... > > When Mom went to Day care they had The Sound of Music. She would watch this movie over and over and you could start it and stop it anywhere, as they sometimes did from week to week. I got it for at home and she never tired to seeing it. > > Hope this adds to the " list. " > > Donna R > > Do you want to read more about Lewy Body? You can also read the Thistle, the LBD Newsletter. Just click on: > > http://www.lewybodydementia.org > > > Re: Re: Toys > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 - your mom goes swimming? My mother went to swimming lessons around age 65 and thoroughly enjoyed her time with the other 'mermaids' in her water aerobics class... I wish they had a pool at the NH for PT - I bet mom would enjoy that... > > > > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > > octoryrose@ writes: > > > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you > have used? > > Arlene > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 and all, Thank you so much for sharing your list. I have been lurking on this site for about a week now and I have learned so much. My FIL was diagnosed with AD 2 days after Christmas last year, recently the doctors are talking about changing his diagnosis to LBD. As I read from the LBD site and from this group, the family and I are positive that he has LBD. He is still home with my MIL. He goes to an adult day care setting 4 days a week (3 days for MIL to work and 1 for her to have a break). We recently received a psych evaluation from a neuropsychologist that was very disturbing - in a nutshell it told us that Dad is much further along than we thought. One of his canned responses to things lately is that he is bored. All of your ideas have spurred so many conversations in our family about things to try. His birthday is this weekend and we had a hard time deciding what to get for him, now we have a goodie bag filled with things. Lawrence Welk videos, hand exercisers, Connect 4, Barrel of Monkeys, Magnetix, slinky, lots of socks, and Wedgits. He likes to feel useful, likes to feel like he has work to do - he enjoys sorting the socks from the laundry - that's the reason for lots of socks. All of these conversations led to me creating a list of chores for my MIL so that she will have things to give my FIL when he feels bored - or for the rest of us in the family when we're there giving Mom a break. I have 2 young children so I got these ideas from age-appropriate chores for them. My FIL is still getting around, so this won't apply to everyone but I thought I would share anyway - Laundry: Take laundry to the laundry room Fold Dishtowels & Washcloths Sort Laundry into color piles Hang clothes on hooks Put dirty clothes into hamper Cleaning: Help make the bed. Help wipe up messes. Dust with socks on their hands. Mop in areas with help. Empty wastebasket Wipe the bathroom sink Use a dustbuster Put books & magazines where they belong Sort items for recycling Clean windows using vinegar & water in spray bottle Kitchen/Meals: Clear and set the table. Wash vegetables in the sink Peeling carrots Pour measure items into a mixing bowl Wipe the Table Plants/Yard: Water plants/garden Pull Weeds Water indoor plants with pre-measured amounts of water Grocery Shopping: Carrying and putting away groceries " Helping " with grocery shopping (putting items in basket and on check-out counter, handing things to you to be put away at home.) Car: Help wash the car Use dustbuster inside car If anyone has any other ideas to keep my FIL occupied, I would greatly appreciate it! This looks like a long list, but he will probably only be willing to do a few of the things on it and will still be looking for other activities at this point. Amy DIL to Dave dx AD 12/05 on aricept, namenda, and lexipro _____ From: LBDcaregivers [mailto:LBDcaregivers ] On Behalf Of octoryrose Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 7:06 AM To: LBDcaregivers Subject: Re: Toys Sure - don't know if any of them work - but have them all in her NH bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have all the small things in a tupperware bin in her drawer... * Balls - those kind that are like exercise balls for the hands - have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one has water inside, all have a different texture type. I felt that it would help if mom squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to the other. She does like the feel of them in her hands. * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the yarns were so bright and colorful and when I showed it to her she picked up the needles and was moving them as though she was knitting w/ no yarn. Haven't had time to reintroduce her to this since the biopsy. But can unravel all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - if all else fails. * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet but she was moving the NH Dominoes around one time * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " - with made up rules - when she was in the hospital * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using large photos - this one is too small... * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in the hospital I thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in the bed and look at the book together - she wasn't too comfortable with me laying with her LOL She probably wondered what was I doing?! (But the next day when I visited her in the hospital with my brother she said - " Why don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - " You want me to climb into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the daffodils (my uncle had given her some daffodils) and too. " LOL (this was before the biopsy) * Couple of Books with short stories for me to read to her - was going to get the large type books but she was never a reader anyway so decided to get short stories for me to read to her instead. Haven't attempted yet... * Slinky - she likes to hold it. * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of paper - she wasn't really interested * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was always on her lap - so I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her lap to pat - to give comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - sometimes she likes it, sometimes it gets her all upset over her own dog. (The latter was early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting her) * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold onto a stuffed animal for comfort. * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold with it's bright colors. * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom was in the hospital but haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when I'm there alone all day and see if there's interest. (also saw a paint a bird house kit in the hospital gift shop and was tempted to get it too - but as you see I have tons of stuff already - so will wait on that) * Jigsaw Puzzle - haven't attempted that yet and it's big pieces - again, thought we could try this together * Bright pink pom pom scarf - saw it and thought it would be a comforting thing to hold and mom did enjoy trying to rip off the pom poms. * Yatzee - got the dice and the book (the book is for my benefit) - tried this for the first time the other day and mom wouldn't let go of the dice - maybe I'll attempt it again later... * Circle a Word book - haven't attempted this and I doubt she'll get it - she never liked these books before she got sick... * Magnetic Shape Toy - it's a toy with shapes and it's magnetic to allow you to build other shapes (??) haven't attempted this. * Hand Exercise Gripper thing - it's a real exercise thing for the hands - don't know what you call it - mom actually used this for a bit - but it was probably by memory b/c she had broke her wrist years ago and she had to use this thing daily as part of therapy. * Think that's it - except that mom has tons of ballet videos to watch and tons of CDs with a wide variety of music she enjoys ( Boccelli, classical, religious, bachatas, Spanish, ballet, etc.) Definitely see a difference with her when she listens to music she loves. One visit she was very coma-like in her chair and she became much more alert with the bachatas - it even triggered her trying to communicate about Dom. Rep. - although she couldn't get many words out I knew what she was trying to say... * I'm always picking up something at stores like KMart and Target and the dollar store - thinking I'll find some miraculous thing she'll enjoy. It's kind of an addictive habit lately. If you haven't figured it out - I'm the type of person who is always trying to " fix " things... * Oh - and one thing I intend to get but haven't yet - a gardening kit - mom was an avid gardener and I think I'll be successful with that. Let her get her hands dirty with the soil. It'll have to be small enough for the nursing home... ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 : It is an Aquafit (Aqua-therapy) class - once a week. It is really good for her as she cannot fall and hurt herself during it. One of my sisters is always in the pool with her because she sometimes does the lewy-lean and sometimes she cannot find the bottom of the pool. Walking was always Mum's favourite form of excercise but between her shuffles, visual-spatial issues and leaning this is becoming more difficult. Yes we are lucky that her facility has the pool. We find Mum's mental state is always a little improved when she has had some excercise. Can't remember how mobile your mother is - Aquafit/Aqua-therapy is very popular at most of the public pools in our area. I was actually looking to see if there was another class in another pool Mum could participate in. octoryrose wrote: - your mom goes swimming? My mother went to swimming lessons around age 65 and thoroughly enjoyed her time with the other 'mermaids' in her water aerobics class... I wish they had a pool at the NH for PT - I bet mom would enjoy that... > > > > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > > octoryrose@ writes: > > > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you > have used? > > Arlene > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 Amy Welcome and thanks for sharing. We were advised by a couple of experienced HCA to try to make Mum feel as useful as possible. Your list is great! We try to do a lot of those things with Mum as well. Unfortunately, a lot of the time we end up frustrated (and sad) because she can no longer do them. However on a happier note - sometimes after several weeks of not being able to do something - she has a turn around and does it - no problem. Oh the " joys of Lewy-ville " . from Cresswell On (Long distance CG to mother Margaret, Toronto, ON - born 02/11/30 diag LBD 01/2005 on Aricept & Seroquel) Amy Hammond wrote: and all, Thank you so much for sharing your list. I have been lurking on this site for about a week now and I have learned so much. My FIL was diagnosed with AD 2 days after Christmas last year, recently the doctors are talking about changing his diagnosis to LBD. As I read from the LBD site and from this group, the family and I are positive that he has LBD. He is still home with my MIL. He goes to an adult day care setting 4 days a week (3 days for MIL to work and 1 for her to have a break). We recently received a psych evaluation from a neuropsychologist that was very disturbing - in a nutshell it told us that Dad is much further along than we thought. One of his canned responses to things lately is that he is bored. All of your ideas have spurred so many conversations in our family about things to try. His birthday is this weekend and we had a hard time deciding what to get for him, now we have a goodie bag filled with things. Lawrence Welk videos, hand exercisers, Connect 4, Barrel of Monkeys, Magnetix, slinky, lots of socks, and Wedgits. He likes to feel useful, likes to feel like he has work to do - he enjoys sorting the socks from the laundry - that's the reason for lots of socks. All of these conversations led to me creating a list of chores for my MIL so that she will have things to give my FIL when he feels bored - or for the rest of us in the family when we're there giving Mom a break. I have 2 young children so I got these ideas from age-appropriate chores for them. My FIL is still getting around, so this won't apply to everyone but I thought I would share anyway - Laundry: Take laundry to the laundry room Fold Dishtowels & Washcloths Sort Laundry into color piles Hang clothes on hooks Put dirty clothes into hamper Cleaning: Help make the bed. Help wipe up messes. Dust with socks on their hands. Mop in areas with help. Empty wastebasket Wipe the bathroom sink Use a dustbuster Put books & magazines where they belong Sort items for recycling Clean windows using vinegar & water in spray bottle Kitchen/Meals: Clear and set the table. Wash vegetables in the sink Peeling carrots Pour measure items into a mixing bowl Wipe the Table Plants/Yard: Water plants/garden Pull Weeds Water indoor plants with pre-measured amounts of water Grocery Shopping: Carrying and putting away groceries " Helping " with grocery shopping (putting items in basket and on check-out counter, handing things to you to be put away at home.) Car: Help wash the car Use dustbuster inside car If anyone has any other ideas to keep my FIL occupied, I would greatly appreciate it! This looks like a long list, but he will probably only be willing to do a few of the things on it and will still be looking for other activities at this point. Amy DIL to Dave dx AD 12/05 on aricept, namenda, and lexipro _____ From: LBDcaregivers [mailto:LBDcaregivers ] On Behalf Of octoryrose Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 7:06 AM To: LBDcaregivers Subject: Re: Toys Sure - don't know if any of them work - but have them all in her NH bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have all the small things in a tupperware bin in her drawer... * Balls - those kind that are like exercise balls for the hands - have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one has water inside, all have a different texture type. I felt that it would help if mom squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to the other. She does like the feel of them in her hands. * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the yarns were so bright and colorful and when I showed it to her she picked up the needles and was moving them as though she was knitting w/ no yarn. Haven't had time to reintroduce her to this since the biopsy. But can unravel all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - if all else fails. * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet but she was moving the NH Dominoes around one time * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " - with made up rules - when she was in the hospital * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using large photos - this one is too small... * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in the hospital I thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in the bed and look at the book together - she wasn't too comfortable with me laying with her LOL She probably wondered what was I doing?! (But the next day when I visited her in the hospital with my brother she said - " Why don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - " You want me to climb into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the daffodils (my uncle had given her some daffodils) and too. " LOL (this was before the biopsy) * Couple of Books with short stories for me to read to her - was going to get the large type books but she was never a reader anyway so decided to get short stories for me to read to her instead. Haven't attempted yet... * Slinky - she likes to hold it. * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of paper - she wasn't really interested * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was always on her lap - so I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her lap to pat - to give comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - sometimes she likes it, sometimes it gets her all upset over her own dog. (The latter was early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting her) * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold onto a stuffed animal for comfort. * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold with it's bright colors. * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom was in the hospital but haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when I'm there alone all day and see if there's interest. (also saw a paint a bird house kit in the hospital gift shop and was tempted to get it too - but as you see I have tons of stuff already - so will wait on that) * Jigsaw Puzzle - haven't attempted that yet and it's big pieces - again, thought we could try this together * Bright pink pom pom scarf - saw it and thought it would be a comforting thing to hold and mom did enjoy trying to rip off the pom poms. * Yatzee - got the dice and the book (the book is for my benefit) - tried this for the first time the other day and mom wouldn't let go of the dice - maybe I'll attempt it again later... * Circle a Word book - haven't attempted this and I doubt she'll get it - she never liked these books before she got sick... * Magnetic Shape Toy - it's a toy with shapes and it's magnetic to allow you to build other shapes (??) haven't attempted this. * Hand Exercise Gripper thing - it's a real exercise thing for the hands - don't know what you call it - mom actually used this for a bit - but it was probably by memory b/c she had broke her wrist years ago and she had to use this thing daily as part of therapy. * Think that's it - except that mom has tons of ballet videos to watch and tons of CDs with a wide variety of music she enjoys ( Boccelli, classical, religious, bachatas, Spanish, ballet, etc.) Definitely see a difference with her when she listens to music she loves. One visit she was very coma-like in her chair and she became much more alert with the bachatas - it even triggered her trying to communicate about Dom. Rep. - although she couldn't get many words out I knew what she was trying to say... * I'm always picking up something at stores like KMart and Target and the dollar store - thinking I'll find some miraculous thing she'll enjoy. It's kind of an addictive habit lately. If you haven't figured it out - I'm the type of person who is always trying to " fix " things... * Oh - and one thing I intend to get but haven't yet - a gardening kit - mom was an avid gardener and I think I'll be successful with that. Let her get her hands dirty with the soil. It'll have to be small enough for the nursing home... ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 if you have pets, petting is very calming for our lo's well for anyone for that matter, good way to lower high blood pressure, good way to calm, but you can turn that into an activity by giving htem a brush to brush your pet, great for your pet, gets rid of dead hair and mats and an exercise of the arms for your lo. also putting stamps on envelops and when that is done putting address labels on env. this should be done in a 2 step process so they dont put them in the wrong place on the envelop. take care hugs sharon m pensacola, florida daughter/caregiver of Leonard, symptomatic from the early 1990's. we moved in with him 1/19/03. diagnosed 5/04 broke hip ball 7/5/05, asp pneumonia and lung blood clot 7/14/05, asp pneumonia and uti 8/05, passed away 9/25/05 -- Re: Toys Sure - don't know if any of them work - but have them all in her NH bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have all the small things in a tupperware bin in her drawer... * Balls - those kind that are like exercise balls for the hands - have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one has water inside, all have a different texture type. I felt that it would help if mom squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to the other. She does like the feel of them in her hands. * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the yarns were so bright and colorful and when I showed it to her she picked up the needles and was moving them as though she was knitting w/ no yarn. Haven't had time to reintroduce her to this since the biopsy. But can unravel all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - if all else fails. * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet but she was moving the NH Dominoes around one time * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " - with made up rules - when she was in the hospital * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using large photos - this one is too small... * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in the hospital I thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in the bed and look at the book together - she wasn't too comfortable with me laying with her LOL She probably wondered what was I doing?! (But the next day when I visited her in the hospital with my brother she said - " Why don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - " You want me to climb into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the daffodils (my uncle had given her some daffodils) and too. " LOL (this was before the biopsy) * Couple of Books with short stories for me to read to her - was going to get the large type books but she was never a reader anyway so decided to get short stories for me to read to her instead. Haven't attempted yet... * Slinky - she likes to hold it. * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of paper - she wasn't really interested * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was always on her lap - so I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her lap to pat - to give comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - sometimes she likes it, sometimes it gets her all upset over her own dog. (The latter was early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting her) * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold onto a stuffed animal for comfort. * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold with it's bright colors. * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom was in the hospital but haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when I'm there alone all day and see if there's interest. (also saw a paint a bird house kit in the hospital gift shop and was tempted to get it too - but as you see I have tons of stuff already - so will wait on that) * Jigsaw Puzzle - haven't attempted that yet and it's big pieces - again, thought we could try this together * Bright pink pom pom scarf - saw it and thought it would be a comforting thing to hold and mom did enjoy trying to rip off the pom poms. * Yatzee - got the dice and the book (the book is for my benefit) - tried this for the first time the other day and mom wouldn't let go of the dice - maybe I'll attempt it again later... * Circle a Word book - haven't attempted this and I doubt she'll get it - she never liked these books before she got sick... * Magnetic Shape Toy - it's a toy with shapes and it's magnetic to allow you to build other shapes (??) haven't attempted this. * Hand Exercise Gripper thing - it's a real exercise thing for the hands - don't know what you call it - mom actually used this for a bit - but it was probably by memory b/c she had broke her wrist years ago and she had to use this thing daily as part of therapy. * Think that's it - except that mom has tons of ballet videos to watch and tons of CDs with a wide variety of music she enjoys ( Boccelli, classical, religious, bachatas, Spanish, ballet, etc.) Definitely see a difference with her when she listens to music she loves. One visit she was very coma-like in her chair and she became much more alert with the bachatas - it even triggered her trying to communicate about Dom. Rep. - although she couldn't get many words out I knew what she was trying to say... * I'm always picking up something at stores like KMart and Target and the dollar store - thinking I'll find some miraculous thing she'll enjoy. It's kind of an addictive habit lately. If you haven't figured it out - I'm the type of person who is always trying to " fix " things... * Oh - and one thing I intend to get but haven't yet - a gardening kit - mom was an avid gardener and I think I'll be successful with that. Let her get her hands dirty with the soil. It'll have to be small enough for the nursing home... ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > > In a message dated 3/8/2006 6:59:52 A.M. Central Standard Time, > octoryrose@... writes: > > I have a number of 'toys' to help with mom's cognitive > skills and mom said to me that she didn't want to be playing > > > Would you mind sharing information about some of the 'toys' you have used? > Arlene > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2006 Report Share Posted March 10, 2006 Can you explain the Lewy-lean - I'm new to the site and hadn't heard of it. --- Skrabek wrote: > : > > It is an Aquafit (Aqua-therapy) class - once a week. > It is really good for her as she cannot fall and > hurt herself during it. One of my sisters is always > in the pool with her because she sometimes does the > lewy-lean and sometimes she cannot find the bottom > of the pool. Walking was always Mum's favourite > form of excercise but between her shuffles, > visual-spatial issues and leaning this is becoming > more difficult. Yes we are lucky that her facility > has the pool. We find Mum's mental state is always > a little improved when she has had some excercise. > > Can't remember how mobile your mother is - > Aquafit/Aqua-therapy is very popular at most of the > public pools in our area. I was actually looking to > see if there was another class in another pool Mum > could participate in. > > > > octoryrose wrote: - > your mom goes swimming? My mother went to swimming > lessons > around age 65 and thoroughly enjoyed her time with > the > other 'mermaids' in her water aerobics class... I > wish they had a > pool at the NH for PT - I bet mom would enjoy > that... > > Sure - > don't know if any of > them work - but have them all in her NH > > bureau drawer to work with on visits... I have > all the small > things > > in a tupperware bin in her drawer... > > > > * Balls - those kind that are like exercise > balls for the hands - > > have 5-6 of those: couple of them light up, one > has water inside, > all > > have a different texture type. I felt that it > would help if mom > > squeezed them and maybe tossed from one hand to > the other. She > does > > like the feel of them in her hands. > > > > * Children's Knitting Kit - Bought this b/c the > yarns were so > bright > > and colorful and when I showed it to her she > picked up the needles > > and was moving them as though she was knitting > w/ no yarn. Haven't > > had time to reintroduce her to this since the > biopsy. But can > unravel > > all the yarns and have mom wind them up again - > if all else fails. > > > > * Dominoes - haven't attempted using that yet > but she was moving > the > > NH Dominoes around one time > > > > * Playing Cards (large type) - Played " Go Fish " > - with made up > rules - > > when she was in the hospital > > > > * Photo Album - I think I'll do another using > large photos - this > one > > is too small... > > > > * Couple of Big Picture Books - when she was in > the hospital I > > thought she'd like for me to snuggle with her in > the bed and look > at > > the book together - she wasn't too comfortable > with me laying with > > her LOL She probably wondered what was I > doing?! (But the next > day > > when I visited her in the hospital with my > brother she said - " Why > > don't you climb in this bed? " And I repeated - > " You want me to > climb > > into the bed with you? " And she said " You, the > daffodils (my uncle > > had given her some daffodils) and too. " > LOL (this was before > > the biopsy) > > > > * Couple of Books with short stories for me to > read to her - was > > going to get the large type books but she was > never a reader > anyway > > so decided to get short stories for me to read > to her instead. > > Haven't attempted yet... > > > > * Slinky - she likes to hold it. > > > > * Mini-paper doll thing using felt instead of > paper - she wasn't > > really interested > > > > * Little stuffed dog - her beloved yorkie was > always on her lap - > so > > I thought she might like this stuffed dog on her > lap to pat - to > give > > comfort. But I'm also afraid of showing her - > sometimes she likes > it, > > sometimes it gets her all upset over her own > dog. (The latter was > > early on - but I'm always worried of upsetting > her) > > > > * Stuffed Bears - you're never to old to hold > onto a stuffed > animal > > for comfort. > > > > * Mardi Gras beads - just to look at and hold > with it's bright > colors. > > > > * Paint by Numbers kit - bought this when mom > was in the hospital > but > > haven't attempted this yet. Will bring in when > I'm === message truncated === __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 , and others with games, When I went to the Day care with Mom and watched them, what I learned is that you don't have to follow the " rules. " They would let the patients do as many rolls of the dice and cheer them on as if it were the first roll. Yatzee, sometimes, they would roll until they got the numbers that were needed. Usually I got frustrated when Mom couldn't do things and didn't think to change the rules. I use to laugh at my grandson when he made the rules fit so he could win. I guess everyone wants to " win " and feel good. So do our LO's. So do the toys to have fun, not to play by the " rules. " Everyone will have a better time. Mom use to " rake " the yard in the fall and I spent more time helping her, than I did if I had done it alone. But she loved to rake and I had such a big tree, it was obvious where she had done some and she felt useful and got out in the sun and could brag about how she " helped. " Clipping coupons can also be a good task. Even if you don't use them, sometimes you might get a good idea what looks good to them. Donna R Do you want to read more about Lewy Body? You can also read the Thistle, the LBD Newsletter. Just click on: http://www.lewybodydementia.org RE: Re: Toys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Donna: I think I will try Yatzee again! We bought that game last year (as well as cribbage and a deck of cards) when Mum was in the hospital. We played the " no rules " method but Mum's disease was so new to us we found it really frustrating and upsetting. Now that we have kind of gotten used to the LBD stuff perhaps we will be more patient. Thanks for the idea. Donna Mido wrote: , and others with games, When I went to the Day care with Mom and watched them, what I learned is that you don't have to follow the " rules. " They would let the patients do as many rolls of the dice and cheer them on as if it were the first roll. Yatzee, sometimes, they would roll until they got the numbers that were needed. Usually I got frustrated when Mom couldn't do things and didn't think to change the rules. I use to laugh at my grandson when he made the rules fit so he could win. I guess everyone wants to " win " and feel good. So do our LO's. So do the toys to have fun, not to play by the " rules. " Everyone will have a better time. Mom use to " rake " the yard in the fall and I spent more time helping her, than I did if I had done it alone. But she loved to rake and I had such a big tree, it was obvious where she had done some and she felt useful and got out in the sun and could brag about how she " helped. " Clipping coupons can also be a good task. Even if you don't use them, sometimes you might get a good idea what looks good to them. Donna R Do you want to read more about Lewy Body? You can also read the Thistle, the LBD Newsletter. Just click on: http://www.lewybodydementia.org RE: Re: Toys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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