My 88 year old father has been a film buff all his life, and also loves a variety of music - Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior etc.
He lives in an annexe next door to us (Mum (90) recently went into a nursing home with dementia) and joins us every evening for meals. Afterwards, we often watch box sets that my husband and I enjoy too.
At the moment we are re-watching all the seasons of Downton Abbey and loving it! Tonight, during a break when I had to do something on the computer, I found him a documentary on Sky Arts about James Cagney, which he loves, and he sat engrossed watching it with my husband.
Sometimes during the day if he comes in for lunch, afterwards I put on Dean Martin's greatest hits while I potter around.
Dad also has a similar TV, so he can watch his favourite things on his own too. It means he is never bored, and the long winter afternoons fly in for him.
Thought it might be worth mentioning for other carers, who find it hard to pass the time with homebound elderly people It has made life much more pleasant and relaxing for me and my husband.
The programmes also give us something to chat about as this can be something housebound people struggle with, when they don't have the stimulation of getting out and about.
It is definitely a great way to help keep someone who can’t read or do much themselves entertained.
ADVERTISEMENT