OFF TOPIC - time to wrack your brains ladies and gents

I'll talk to you off line about this!

Cheryl

Or maybe he could read books to tape, they never have enough good readers, especially for blind kids needing school or university books on tape.

A few thoughts on the topic as a whole. I will be 80 on my next birthday, in a few months; I am male. Sooner or later, something is likely to happen to me, and I will have to rely on my family to help look after me. This is not just some theoretical thing that may happen in 10,

20, or 30 years. It could happen tomorrow, or anytime in the *near* future. Should this happen, what would my thougths be? The *last* thing that would occur to me would be what should others do to help amuse me. My first thought would be, what can I possibly do to make myself less of a burden to people who are looking after me? If someone could spare the time to be with me, my thought would be, what would they like to do? Surely it would be my job to keep myself amused, and if that were to be beyond my capability, then sorry folks; it would be Adios, Goodbye, Adieu, or whatever. Just my 2 cents.

-- Jim Cripwell. From Canada. Land of the Key Bird. This creature of doom flies over the frozen tundra in winter, shrieking its dreaded call; "Key, Key, Key, Key rist but it's cold!!"

Both great ideas and if I am ever home bound, I'll try both. My dad is not as literate as he could be so reading for taping is not a possibility. And making calls would depend on simple to pronounce names.

Cheryl

Hmm - a weekly or twice weekly package might work. Now to figure something to put in it! Cheryl

Then I think your best project, since he loves his computer, it to get one to his bed. Perhaps renting a lap top ??? At least it will keep him going until he is more mobile.

Other than that, your Mother is the one who needs maximum support by the sounds of it -

Just has to be small stuff, just something to take his fancy for even a couple of hours.

I did the same for Jim's dad, last winter. I put memopad, pencil, little game, deck of cards etc. Of course, he was only in Rehab a couple of weeks, but it gave him something diferent to do.

Gill

On the same vein, what about a doll house kit. I don't recall how old DD is, but she could help with the decorating. Nowdays, quite a few are precut and it's a case of sanding, painting and gluing.

Tara

I found a Sports Activity Book (coloring, mazes, puzzles) at the 99 Cent Store yesterday. Tossed in an 8-pack of crayons, and sending that to my dad in the hospital. Something to keep him busy, on a topic he likes, and if he doesn't get into coloring it, he can "help" little Jake color while he's recuperating at home.

Is something like a wireless router possible in your house? (That could also set him up for packet radio, if he decides to go ham):

The macramé might work but doing knots will work. I can hold out the carrot> of teaching DD the knots. Leather braiding? Braiding reins, etc., has a long history with cowboys and there are some interesting patterns: since you mention knotting, I'll draw your attention to: fishing lures might appeal, too:, e.g.: to all above sites. Kay

Jim,

I understand where you are coming from, but unfortunately depression sometimes goes with an illness. My Dad is 80, and this past winter was very difficult for him. He can't drive anymore, couldn't go out in bad weather, couldn't concentrate on any one thing for very long, has a tremor, has difficulty walking. It was just plain no fun for him giving up all the things he loved to do.

My Dad used to love to do crosswords, so did those as much as he could, then I got him the puzzles, which passed the time for a few weeks.

Now his favourite thing is spending time with his family :) He has a great deal of diffculty speaking and the fatigue is overwhelming. I visit at least every second day, and often every day. He loves to hear stories about my son's, my husband, and everything I'm doing. My Dad used to say I could go out for 5 minutes and talk about it for 2 hours...that gift of gab sure has come in handy :)

We don't usually choose when we leave this world, so we need to make the most of everyday :)

take care, Linda

Painting? Even if he has never tried before? Doesn`t he read? (I hope he`s not ready to climb "stars" yet!)

Can`t he hop around on one leg with a walking (zimmer) frame? I was allowed to when I cracked my hip not long ago - at least it would give him a change of scenery. In fact I`m surprised that he`s been told to stay in bed all that long - bed-sores and circulation problems spring to mind, particularly if he`s diabetic.

Pat P

>

When I talked to them yesterday, he was still quite medicated and could be for a while. We have some time!

I know that!

Cheryl

On 8/4/05 6:09 PM, in article snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com, "Tara D" wrote: Snip!

Bingo!

Cheryl

The break is fairly nasty and he's only splinted for a while. So - stay still for a bit.

Cheryl

I think you need to send your mom on a nice vacation for a couple weeks. My guest room is available.

Not until he's able to drive himself - 4 months from now!

Cheryl

Hire someone to drive him. Your mom is going to need a break long before then if he's that dreadful a patient.