Mom just moved to a seniors lodge in October. Up until then she has always lived in her own home. She has always been active physically which includes all of her own housework, shovelling snow and gardening. In the last year, we noticed that she was getting more forgetful and this summer, she was unable to manage her yard. The lodge seemed like a good alternative as it also had people to visit with. Now that she is there, she does not seem to be interested in TV or her knitting and doesn't put herself out to make friends. Sleeping appears to be her main occupation which results in some minor sundowning.
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Check out of Activities & Recreation for lots of AgingCare.com articles on activities for elder and other caregivers questions and discussions. I am sure you can find some helpful ideas her.
https://www.agingcare.com/Activities-Recreation
Good Luck,
Karie H.
AgingCare.com Team
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All of a sudden over the last year or so, your Mother has changed dramatically. That probably means her interests are more introverted, and if she has dementia, maybe she is really confused. Her brain is not doing what it used to: figure it out and do it. You, the caregiver and daughter, must get to that new place-- the new reality of Mom-- and help her find things she can still do.
You can get puzzles--shapes and animals. If she can see you could get her crossword puzzles to exercise her memory. Maybe you or another resident can do them with her. Get her an iPod and download books and her favorite music.
She knows her world is changing. She wants to feel in control, be of use. Could she work on crocheting instead of knitting? Start a knit/crochet group of people in the lodge? Ask her what she wants to do. If she says 'nothing' then she may also be depressed. You will get lots of input here from those who know and care. Take care, let us know what works. Hugs, Christina