My mother-in-law lives with us and she works 2 hours a day serving the (old people) lunch at a nursing home. But when she is home there is not much for her to do. She folds laundry and puts the dishes away. All the things she did she can't do now sewing, puzzles, games. TV is getting hard for her and we are running out of things to have her do. Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you ,Carol
Given that you're in Florida, which is a state that seems to cater to elders, I'm wondering if the state has an agency for low vision and/or blind. Michigan does have a commission; I have literature on it but don't recall what it does.
You might also contact a national association for the blind and ask them if they have suggested activities, and/or if there are any local affiliates or chapters with meetings or activities.
One thing she could do is safe exercises, including Tai Chi, which would help maintain her flexibility and mobility which might otherwise be compromised by limited vision. She could do it sitting down; although I'm not positive, I believe that somewhere I read of an adaptive Tai Chi which is in fact performed sitting down.
Do you bake bread? She could knead it; that's an activity that's definitely done by feel. And the aroma of the bread rising and then baking is a mood enhancer.
I'm trying to think of something using aromatherapy but haven't come up with anything yet.
Is she interested in current events? You could listen to the news with her and discuss it.
I used to ask mom to match socks and put them together.. fold underwear....also roll up plastic bags from the grocery store.
I'm wondering if she can still see well enough to walk; if so, perhaps you could determine from your local senior center or coordinator for Meals on Wheels if she could be a delivery person. She could ride with one of the volunteers.
Do you think your MIL's vision would still allow her to participate in something like this? It might be a task of picking up one of each item in lines of items arranged for assembling the meals.
I've noticed when I go to the center to pick up meals on days when my father won't be home at the delivery time that there are typically several people sitting around talking. Perhaps that kind of socialization might appeal to her.
Big Sisters mentoring program is another activity but I believe it does require a commitment to mentor a specific child (or children) for a certain time framework.
Another thought is to call the United Way helpline at 211, explain your MIL's situation and ask what volunteer opportunities might be available.