That is a great idea. We need some mindless projects that actually accomplish something during this phase.
I have a friend who crochets little newborn caps and donates them
to hospitals.
I sorted through 40 years of pictures.

Both GREAT IDEAS....I haven't crochet for years! Since the grandbabies were babies!..and as for the pictures thats a project I am sure we all have.......you know those oxes and stuffed envelopesbefore the world went digital and now the new ones are all on our computers.

I completely understand. I hate sitting doing nothing. I crochet hats that a woman from the crafts groups comes and picks up and donates to a homeless shelter. It is a mindless pattern and I don't have to think about it. They give me the donated yarn. Like you, knitting took too much attention. My only problem with crocheting is every 5 seconds mom asks me what I'm making. Hat...hat...hat..hat...hat.......

I also do some volunteer virtual computer work. I sit where mom can see me and type away on my laptop. No deadlines. This really connects me to other people and keeps my mind busy.

I joined an email penpals website and spend quality time online emailing some great people. Takes me out of the caregiver mode and "talking" to people who have nothing to do with illness.

I really miss getting outside for a nice long walk.

Another thing I did.. was to sort through drawers. I would take a drawer from the kitchen (or my dresser) carry it to the living room where Ron was. I had a big garbage bag for the throw away stuff.
It felt good to accomplish a big job.

I also crochet when my day job, my college degree, our daughter's sports schedule and other things allow time. I mostly use left over yarn to make shawls for when people at church forget a sweater during the summer. They keep the AC so high and who thinks of it being cool during the summer? When I get time, I sometimes crochet lap robes for people at our local nursing home. When I run short I put out a request for yarn on freecycle.org. My husband still enjoys getting out to yardsale, so I take advantage of that to get other peoples left over yarn at a great price.

Olyve, those are some good ideas, I might do those things too.

I love to cross stitch and thought I would start a big project to keep my mind busy. Boy, was that a stupid idea. I could not concentrate on it at all. Now, I have to take it all apart and put it away for another time and season in my life. Right now, Ken's Home Health lady has me making photo pages so she can go them with Ken. That I can do.

I don't know how to crochet so I've signed up for an adult education class next month. I know how to knit but my mother taught me left handed. I can knit a garment but can't finish it off. Useless.

I'm sorting through pictures as we speak. Mother is enjoying it so much I'm not getting very far at all.

I can't read much right now but I can read the novels about the Elm
Creek Quilters, so I read those when Ron is around...

Also, I find little cleaning jobs which makes me calmer...the fridg, under the sink....