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My father is 90-years-old and is completely deaf with very, very limited vision. He says it's like looking through wax paper. He lives in an assisted living facility but does not participate in their activities... since he cannot see or hear. Although, I am going to take another look at their activity sheet is see if there is "something" that might work. They do a lot of outings and music listening, which he cannot do.


Does anyone have any ideas on what type of activities he could do alone? He spends a lot of time sleeping, since there is nothing else to do. He cannot watch TV, he cannot listen to music or audio books. I feel absolutely horrible for him and helpless to come up with something to occupy his time.


I have reached out to the Helen Keller organization... they really were not helpful and it took me numerous attempts to even get a response from them. I have reached out to our local blind organization. They do not have many individuals that are both deaf and blind, so I did not get any ideas there either, other than a tactile activity board, but that does not occupy him for very long.


I would be most grateful for any ideas at all - that you don't need sight "or" hearing to do.


Thank you.

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If your Dad has most of his cognition, has he ever been checked for cataracts? I would take him to an ophthalmologist. Cataract surgery is a day surgery, with minimal risk, and a fairly quick recovery time -- and is covered by Medicare.

My Mom had cataract surgery in her late 80's (or early 90s) and it was a success. I'm just guessing he has cataracts. Obiously, it could be something else, but cataracts is one of the most common vision problems in the elderly.

Also, research hearing amplifiers for your Dad.

Again, this is really if he has most of his mind still.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Deaf - Blind can do all kinds of things they just need a little supervision. He can make baskets, do weaving, tile crafts, paper mache, air dry clay. Does he read braille? if not have him start learning braille. Books are free for the blind you can have them delivered. See if there is a college nearby with an ASL program - students need service hours they could come in and teach sign language or just have a conversation with him. I read he is 90 years old but this may interest him and keep him focused.
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Reply to Ohwow323
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Pets: consider a gentle dog or cat that enjoys being petted. Activities: Petting, brushing, and simply spending time with the animal.

Experiencing textures and scents. Materials: Various fabrics, essential oils, and other textured objects. Explore different textures and scents through touch and smell.

Gardening: Planting and care: Use tactile markers to label plants. Focus on plants with distinctive textures or scents. You can assist your father with planting and maintenance.

Working with clay: Use soft, easy to mold clay. Create simple shapes or objects. Tactile tools can help in shaping and texturing.

These activities can provide stimulation, comfort and engagement for someone who is deaf and has very low vision.
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Reply to HaveYourBack
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cwillie Jul 18, 2024
these are all excellent ideas, unfortunately pets and gardening are not going to be available in many facilities
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I went on a google adventure and found some braille/tactile games. Links below you can copy and paste.

Raised Dot Dominoes
https://www.amazon.com/Double-Six-Dominoes-Plastic-Raised-Dots/dp/B0093QI7LQ/

Tactile Rubik's Cube
https://www.amazon.com/3X3x3-Tactile-Embossed-Braille-Fingerprint/dp/B09G61XJ2V/

Tactile Tic Tac Toe
https://www.amazon.com/Family-Classic-Classical-Childrens-Plastic/dp/B0B2JZHQ2P/

Braille learning board
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093FXGS71/

Braille UNO card game
https://www.amazon.com/Mattel-Games-Specially-Designed-Low-Vision/dp/B07XF995SP/
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Reply to Slartibartfast
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See if you can find groups that cater to Ushers Syndrome. Ushers II robs both the sight and the hearing over time. Someone might be able to make suggestions based on their (or loved one’s experience).
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Reply to dimtngirl
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How about crochet? Crochet squares, about 12 inches square, might be a tactile thing he could grasp. Mistakes in crochet are not as difficult as in knitting with dropped stitches, and can often be ‘fixed’. Enough squares (with the worst ones discarded) could be turned into a blanket to be proud of! Just a thought, after watching my granddaughter doing pretty well with her own crochet. If he COULD get the hang of it, he could do it on his own, which would be particularly good for you.
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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It would seem like working clay with his hands might be soothing. If you can push him in a wheelchair outside so that he can smell fresh air, feel the sun on his face and the wind blow. I would also take him to an ophthalmologist to see if anything can be done about his vision. Improving that would be a game changer.
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Reply to Jamesj
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I have done beading with blind people. Shop for beads that are fun to hold with different surfaces. Big enough beads so you can feel for the hole. You might have to pick them up if they drop, but that is no problem. They have loved feeling the bracelet afterward on their wrist.

Take him out on smell and taste outings.

Smell chocolate cookies, roses, hot donuts, an herb garden.

Give him taste tests of his favorite childhood foods.

Fill his lonely hours with joy because they won’t last forever.
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Reply to ACaringDaughter
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My dad is 98 and blind and almost completely deaf but still has a bit of hearing left .
can you see if the home has access to someone coming in the home to fit him with hearing aids ? It may really open his world . Or see if headphones would maybe concentrate the sound enough that he can hear . Music really does go far.

I would try tactile things like hand crafts like making bracelets with beads that could thread on a string . You can tie it when he has it threaded . Can he see enough to do paper mache ? You would precut the coloured tissue into Shape and he has to paste them onto the object . Look on google for some fun ideas
He can Help fold face cloths to help out and give purpose .
My dad loves being pushed outside in his wheel chair where he can feel the sun on his face and the wind . Take your dad to an outside garden where you may experience smells of flowers . bring some herbs to smell like basil , mint to stimulate the sensory finish with A nice cup of mint tea with a hand or shoulder massage can go far as well .
taste test his favourite desserts have him rate them
good luck , I know it isn’t easy . Your awesome for trying to make his life better .
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Reply to nikkimgs
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If he can stand, try slow dancing with him. He may not be able to hear the music, but he may be able to feel the vibrations as well as feel your movements. It’s good exercise & provides human touch. My husband was never much of a dancer, but now loves it when we do this with him. If you help him stand/transfer from bed or chair, it’s a good opportunity to just wrap your arms around him & dance a little.
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Reply to MK1304
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