I'll go first: I like to keep a shawl draped over a chair, etc. close to the door so if mom wants to go outside, I don't have to take time to bundle her up. She isn't able to stay out long anyway and this makes it easy for us both.

Sit and Be Fit exercise DVD. There are a few different ones and the exercises can be done sitting or standing. They are not very hard but help keep her moving some. Also, play dough spread out on the table to push fingers into like playing piano for dexterity and puzzles (not too many pieces) for cognitive function.

Music of their choice, its great for calming and amusment. My mother was not able to do much but boy did she love to sing !!! I used to keep her favoutites always close to hand and if she got restless or agitated I would pop it on and she used to sing away to her hearts content.

This just really worked for Mom so I thought I would share. It's not a big deal (well, it was for me) but here goes: Old movies. ESPECIALLY funny ones or musicals. Mom just watched a couple old movies yesterday (you can even check them out for free at the library) and she said that it was just what she needed. She was watching The Apple Dumpling Gang and I could hear her laughing away. It was music to my ears. She also LOVES the musicals and sings along with them. Good for when I am busy working or cleaning, etc. and she is just bored with nothing to do.

My mom likes to play Rummy 500. She has taught afew of the healthcare aids that come at nite to play. She also enjoys some of the ole movies on AMC or TMC. Believe it or not, we watch the Simpson's during dinner, I find it a whole lot better than the depressing news. She get's afew chuckles now & then.

I don't know if this concerns this post but i'm goin to toss it anyway. If your parent has a bladder problem or has to take Lasix pills & uses Depends or other brands & is on Medicaid, it'll cover the cost for them at the pharmacy. When you call in meds just include them on your list. Also people with a "silent asperation", Thicket can be covered also. I never knew about these things until an aid told me, now you do too. Hope I was some help. Everyone take care!

A caregiver for respit brought a jigsaw puzzle of the USA showing major cities. A small $1.00 puzzle. Even with my mom's dementia, with the caregiver prompts they put the puzzle together and talked about where each lived (both caregiver and my mom) and all the memories and stories that went with that place. It took up time and gave my mom some direction to her stories. She loved it.

My Dad loves the game "Shut the Box" a dice game where you add the dice together and shut numbers. Simple, but still keeps his mind active and hands busy.

I found some items on the Alzstore website like videos of old songs that had the words so you could sing along. My Dad remembers the words, but I didn't, so it at least helped me!

Juice Boxes....he can't tip them over and get frustrated. Slip on shoes, rubber exercise bands....boy I could go on forever. This is great idea for a discussion! Thanks! Cathy