How Can I Keep My Father Entertained During The Day?

If you’re a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you’re often expected to be master of ceremonies, ringmaster, and juggler all at the same time.

In fact, it’s a pretty common occurrence for the senior to follow the caregiver around all day…almost as if they’re expecting you to provide diversion. But you don’t have to be the only source of diversion.

Here are some ideas to keep him entertained…

• Play a fast-paced musical video.
• Encourage him to walk – either outside or around the house – as much as possible.
• He can pull some weeds outside, or bat around a balloon ball. Each would provide diversion, as well as physical activity. In addition, many companies that make products for seniors will have exercise videos with simple instructions.
• Encourage him to be helpful with any type of household activity he can handle. It’s important to keep him involved. For example, let him set the table while you prepare meals. It doesn't matter if he doesn't set it properly. It only matters that he helps!
• He may be able to clip coupons, shred documents, do minor clean-up jobs, get things from the kitchen or the laundry room for you, etc.
• Allow him to open the junk mail.
• Encourage him to help out with the care and feeding of the dog.
• You have friends? You have family? Let someone else help keep your Dad occupied for a while!
• Many Alzheimer’s patients enjoy being read to. (Your local library has book audiotapes.)

If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you probably have new questions every day. We can help answer them. For one thing, we have one of the largest Alzheimer’s/Dementia Resource Centers in South Florida.

For another, at The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've been answering South Florida families’ questions about Alzheimer’s or dementia for 33 years. We've worked with thousands of families, providing comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid or the VA.

We can answer your questions, too. And we’re just a phone call away.