Needing a New Hobby

Is he able to write? How is his speech? If he can do either one, he can take up the hobby of writing a "Memory Book" for his children and grandchildren. He can put together a book of memories of his life, words of advice, places he traveled to, etc. Your mom could help him, if that is the case. They could even combine their memories into one book! I know that I would like to start putting together a book for my children and I really wish that I had known more about my grandparents pasts.

I am not sure if you were looking for an income producing idea or not, but the only thing I could think of was something that would benefit the community. What was his profession prior to the strokes? Can he train individuals in that line of work from home? Did he excel in any one subject in school? If so, he could tutor less fortunate children for a low payment. Do you have the funds to purchase t-shirt making equipment and have him start his own business making t-shirts, bags, etc? I know that there are smaller machines for smaller budgets and you probably can find them on Craigslist or Ebay. I thought of that one because my father-in-law has a t-shirt company and one of his employees had a stroke and was still able to work. I am not sure if these are hobbies or not and I wasn't sure if you needed income producing ideas, but let me know because I have a book with a ton of ideas for starting a business from home.

Is he interested in nature? How about a metal detector, he could go out and look for money, lost jewels, etc. and it will help him with walking and keeping his coordination. Another idea would be to get him into maybe the large scale models. He could glue them and then paint them.
I hope this helps!
Good luck and God Bless
~AJ

Look for ways he can help someone else -- tutor a disabled child or read to (or for -- can even do this in your own home, alone) the blind, or something like that. Or maybe get him to start caring for a pet.

That's a hard one.

I noticed other people already suggested it, but I was going to say puzzles. This has always been one of my favorite family activities. It is great because you can do it with people or alone. I agree they get VERY addictive! My dad and I used to work on them all the time. This summer we went on vacation with my dad and it was so cool to see my 3 year old doing a puzzle with her Grandfather. It was a 500 piece adult puzzle and I was so surprised how well she did. It would be a nice activity for you kids to do with their Grandfather so they can still have something to do together.

PS My dad is an outdorsy rancher :)

L.,
Sorry to hear about the unfortunate happening of your father and your situation. I help my mother in-law with her mother who has dementia. She forgets everything and asks lots of questions, repetitive questions at that. I know your father is probably not at the same stage as my grandmother but it sounds like a lot of the same issues.

My suggestion is that you don't have to do anything big in the way of projects. Playing card (a simple game) such as hand and foot can really kill some time and help sharpen his skills. Also taking walks around the neighborhood. You could even get some color by numbers to do with him. The key is that you do it with him or that your mother does it with him. I often have my grandmother help me fold her laundry and set the table she love that. It is easy and she feels that she is doing something to help out in the house.

This is a very hard time to see your family struggle. You might want to look into a social service program to see if you can get financial assistance for them. Best of luck to you and your family.

gardening, he would also be helping the family, depending on what you chose to grow

Hi L.,
I have been taking care of my Mother for the past 3 months on a daily basis, she has had some mini strokes and has Parkinsons. I take my littlest boy with me (almost 3 yrs) he makes her smile all the time :) We have gotten her to do the puzzles, and paint.
Painting is very therapeutic and it doesn't require a whole lot of stuff. A canvas an easel and some paints.
God Bless and peace,
T.

Hey there! Great idea for a country guy that needs to feel needed and important. There are a lot of animals in shelters that need love etc. Local shelters are always in need of volunteers, also he could volunteer at a live in facility for seniors. There are a lot of great facilities that always need people to come in and help call Bingo, read lead activites for groups. He could read books on tapes, if he likes to read. The library is a great place for him to read to kids also if that is something he already enjoys. Check with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Programs) some of them know of paid positions for someone like your dad or have resources for groups that he could get involved in. Good luck! Remember and remind him that you still love him and he can still give and receive love and that is why he is still here. He still has a purpose you just get to help him find it now. It may take a few tries, just like finding a new job or career but I know he can find something he will enjoy.

Dancing is a really good hobby for people who have had strokes. It helps them regain coordination and control. Also, horseback riding is another great, therapeutic activity. So is swimming! If he likes art, watercolor is a great medium to work with if you are having trouble controlling your hands.

I'm a teacher who works with a lot of students who have disabilities, and all of these are ones they usually enjoy. I also teach dance and have had a ton of students who were recovering from physical trauma.

Hope these help and best wishes.

I just did an agency fair for my company's charitable giving campaign. I would do two things - first contact the United Way 211 to find volunteer opportunities for your dad. You can print some out and show him. Have him take the ones that sound interesting to he neurologist or physical therapist to see if they recommend something on the list to help him regain some of his dexterity.

Second, call the united way itself. There are lots of good agencies in Larimer County that can help your day with physical therapy and activities either for free on on a sliding scale. You might also contact the county health department and see if you can get a social worker assigned. They can help not only your dad but you and your mom deal with this big change in your lives and coping skills.

This is not just a recovery issue, it's a family issue, and you as a family should feel comfortable seeking community support. That's what it's there for, and when you get to the right place in your lives, you will be amazed to find yourself helping someone else down the line.

Big healing hugs to you, your mom, and your dad!

PS - try the American Heart & Stroke Association's website. I do a lot of work with them because of my son's heart surgeries. They may not be able to help you a lot locally because they're in Denver, but they certainly can give you literature and inspiration. They may also be able to connect your mom and dad with a family that has been there and is willing to help them through this difficult adjustment.

I'm guessing that he is in AZ as well? You said he is more of a country boy? I'm thinking something that has to do with nature. If there is a nature preserve near by, you could see if there is a program to made bird boxes (houses) or something like this. A lot of times you can go to the wildlife commision and ask them if they have anything prefab thay you simple put together with glue and maybe a couple of screws? These wildlife progams usually have a number of programs they do to help the wildlife animals and plants. I would call them and see if they have some minnimal volunteer work that needs to be done. Even if it's as simple as picking up garbage, or removing some thatch. When we use our time to do something that makes a difference it almost always boosts our spirit. I also think that the gardening was a good suggestion, and maybe cooking as well!
Good luck to you all, our elderly are from a time when self worth is the most important thing and you finding him something to give him that pride once again is one of the most beautiful gifts a person could give!! KUDOS to you!!

JIG-SAW Puzzles!!! My mom did so many during her recovery! Just get a seperate card table that is easy to move - put the puzzle out and get it started. Before long everyone in the room will be helping. It's so addicting!!

Good Luck,
J.

I just finished a class on finding your gifts/talents and then sharing them with others. There are so many organizations out there lookig for volunteers. Maybe he just needs something that will ginve him value. I have learned that when doing for others that can happen. Find out what he likes and go from there.

The rec center has alot going on, or there is always lions club that sort of thing..

Blessings,
C.

Hello!

Assuming he is in a rehabilitaion program, do they have any suggestions? If not, maybe you could check with his doctor for recommendations in order to find something that will keep him entertained, but also challenged at the same time to help him recoup some of the abilities he lost.
Maybe the city you live in has classes/clubs in the community center that he could participate in with other seniors which could help with the socialization aspects as well.
Maybe a combo of this and the other suggestions would be to find a church or community garden where he can work with others towards a greater good like growing food for needy families. This would get him gross motor excercise, a social network and a purpose.

Hope any of this helps!
Good luck to you and your family!

D.

I would also suggest gardening. You could choose to spin it that he would be helping the family by growing produce or herbs for cooking.

Does he enjoy stories? If it's difficult for him to read himself maybe go to the local library and choose some audio books that may interest him. I would try and keep the topics/stories simple so he doesn't get confused and frustrated.

I'm a painter and find that to be extremely meditative and satisfying. I'm very free when I paint and not detailed oriented - supplies can be bought at a local dollar store if it's not really needed for high end materials however, this may be more of a stretch if he's a country boy.

I wish you and your family the best of wishes and patience as you try to help him through this difficult time.

I am sorry to hear this, it is always hard to watch family get older even harder when it is a difficult journey. The very first thing that popped in my head it those kid kit projects from home depot. There are easy enough for children and they actually could be a gift for christmas or something.
Good luck
God Bless
A.
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