My mom will be 83 next month. Her mind is clear (she reads 4-8 books per week on her kindle). She is pretty weak, physically. Just to walk across the room (we have a small house) causes her back and legs alot of pain. She thoroughly enjoys reading, but made a confession to me the other day. She becomes so engrossed in her reading ( up to 12 hours per day) that sometimes she perceives her book characters as more real that me. This broke my heart. I need to find something for her to do that she enjoys that engages her in this world. She can't lift her arms higher than her chest and is pretty weak. I know I need to get her out of the house more often. But, I find myself so tired after working all day (I am in social services) that the thought of transferring her wheel chair and her as daunting. Then, the guilt sets in. I feel like I am neglecting my mom's emotional well being. Its' so easy to just watch TV while she's reading. We're both escaping, I guess. Does anyone have any suggesstions? I had brought a box of old family photos for her to go through and organize, but she gave up. She said it was not enjoyable. What can I do???
Could make it fun, she could make up questions for the group discussion. Maybe even have a little fun with it where the group dresses up like a character or dresses up for the period.
Hobbies are hard. Have you thought about hiring someone to help get her ready once a week and transport her to a senior center for the day?
Does she like to sew or knit? Is there a hospital auxiliary or church group that has monthly sew or knit sessions where they make small blankets, pillows, caps for hospitalized children babies or foster kid?
Is there a high school or elementary teacher in your community looking to tutor or moonlight who might be willing to come over and do a project or hobby with her like painting, clay, ceramics, etc?