My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago, and all he wants to do now is sit. How can I help him get active or find a hobby?

My husband and I do crosswprd puzzles. I ask the questions and he gives the answers which I write in the spaces. It doesn't matter to him whether he sees the written puzzle. Some days we get in 12 words and other days we get in 32! I try to look for books everywhere with topics he has enjoyed. It's something I try to build into his daily schedule.

try the folding of wash cloths, mom did it every day, if she only knew I would mess up the basket and give it back to her; she would of shot me. LOL! it kept her busy and she felt it was helping. I would ask for advice, questions about long ago where she could give me advice. She could remember recipes ... usually. Ask about their childhood? where they worked and different things they liked. I actually got to know alot more about my mom at this time of her life. I wish I could give you a real hug! They helped me alot. My mom used to love to hug!!!

Hey thanks for the kind words. I tried a slate board but he could not remember how to write so that is out. We have a yellow lab that he loves so he keeps Joe company. On a funny note, I could hear my cell phone ringing last night but could not find it. I used another phone to call it and it was in his pocket. Funny what he has in his pockets at the end of the day.

At one point we had my mom writing ABC's and numbers, telling her the grandchildren needed to watch someone do it. Its as though the are children again but they are not. You have to watch for their safety as a child, but the respect & their diginity is much different than a child. The last thing my mom said to me was on my 45th bday was I LOVE YOU! and after that she didn't speak, but you could see it in her eyes! I love her & miss her so much! Try to find a possitive out of each day, it helps because there are alot of trying moments. Good luck & God Bless!

What did your husband like to do in the past? Perhaps you can find something (easier) related to his past interests.

I have found that just 'starting' a project and asking for HELP can help them get involved. And when you get them involved in something, as long as though they are not in harm's way, don't correct them. Let them feel happy just doing!

If there isn't much he wants to do, fresh air and sunshine and watching people can help too! Ask him to keep track of the number of trucks he sees or anything else that keeps him involved with his surroundings. There's always SOMETHING they can do, we just have to be creative! Make a game of it.
God Bless!

I thank you for taking time to answer my question. I feel really lucky to still have him. It is a full time job taking care of him and trying to figure out what he is wanting to say. Words dont come easy to him now, but he knows what he wants to say. Kinda like playing sharades. Couldn't find my cell phone tonight but could hear it ringing. He had it in his pocket with his!! Got to love them.

My mom had alz & parkensens. My dad has dementia & a host of other things. Sitting and watching is a stage of the disease. It's almost as though they haven forgotten what to do. Mom sat in her chair unless someone said lets go for a walk. But from experience I'm sorry to say hobbies are usually gone by the time they just sit and don;t want to get up. Offer walks or read to them, my mom got good at washing potatoes or folding & refolding socks and hand towels. She folded the same basket everyday. It gave her something to do and she thought she was helping. God bless and peace and patience. Nothing they do is to upset you but because they don't remember what to do.

Perhaps it would be an idea for him to participate at a senior center-and especially one that caters to alzheimer's clients, where it may be less challenging. They offer a varity of activities, as well as health screenings, and perhaps even a meal. He may very much refuse this alternative-however once he goes and meets others-he possibly will look forward to this new routine.The stimulation will be a win win situation. It is Not easy, but give it a shot.
Best, Hap

Try to see if you can at least get him to walk outside or anywhere. I had someone come in and this worked out better for it is not me. I am trying to get back to that. It seemed to help because it was on a routine and the people were the right prople for her. This is a trial by error problem as everybody is different.