What kind of cheap indoor hobbies can I try to get my shaky client interested in?

Question

She has a computer but the mouse is difficult for her to control (often clicks on the wrong thing). She gets tired of tv or reading. She is very tight with the little money she has, is unsteady on her feet and is always bored. She is only 50 years old and is easily depressed.

Remember....her hands shake so she wouldn't be able to sew (threading the needle would be impossible)

Answer 1

First, you might want to check out this page at my website:
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/disabilities.htm

Though my website is primarily about using polymer clay, this "disabilities" page has various links and ideas that might be helpful for all kinds of crafts.
Polymer clay is definitely a possibilty too though... for example, just cutting out shapes from clay or marbled or decorative clay sheets (with cookie and other cutters), or stamping into clay sheets with deep-cut stamps or even things around the house, can look great... and they can also be "painted" over with metallic mica powders when raw, or with acrylic paints (2 coats) when dry, or made shiny with clear acrylic finishes that can be painted on or rubbed on. Those are just a few examples... there should be lots more that wouldn't require exact dexterity, but still give a lot of bang for the buck.

If you want more info or she wants more suggestions, check out my Kids & Beginners page or just the Table of Contents page to get lessons and examples of all the cool stuff that can be done with polymer clay:
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/kids_beginners.htm
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/contents.htm
(....scroll alll the way down, then visit any of the pages by using the alphabetical navigation bar...)

Secondly, you might get some good ideas from any website on Parkinson's Disease since one of the primary things there is shaking. Here are a few searches that could give you possible links:
http://tinyurl.com/ylnqys
http://tinyurl.com/q7dqe
They should also have other ideas that aren't necessarily making crafts, but could still be involved in some way with crafts or the arts, or that may not involve art/crafts at all, she'd be able to do and enjoy.

Best of luck!

Diane B.

Answer 2

For the computer -- even though that wasn't your question -- a friend of mine has had success getting shaky folks to use a trac-ball mouse instead of a common one. If she hasn't tried that, it could well be a big help. If it were easier to use -- perhaps with the trac-ball mouse it would be -- the computer could be a type of hobby.

Now, to your real question. How about indoor gardening? Does she like to talk and can she use a phone? Many people just need a little human contact. Could she phone shut-ins and cheer them up? Does she attend church somewhere? If so, they could give her a list of folks to phone, people who just need a little encouragement now and then. Perhaps encouraging others would help cheer her up, too. It often works that way.

Would she enjoy reading books or stories onto tape for blind people? Could she manage the tape recorder?

Answer 3

First, you know that plastic sheeting with the little squares cut out? You sew yarn through it (with a BIG needle) to make little boxes, potholders, etc. You can even make a bunch of little different colored houses for a "village" display. (My aunt does this and she has Parkinson's.)
Second, how about making bath salts? You can get recipes online, and the ingredients aren't real expensive. It's fun to do and she can use them herself and/or give them as gifts.
If she likes the bath salt idea, you can also make homemade soaps. If she wants to buy some cheap little baskets, cellophane, and ribbon, she can make little gift baskets of salts, soap, maybe a poofy sponge and sell them thru her church-make a few bucks while she is having fun.

Answer 4

bring over some recipes and cook with her
scrapbooking
card games
start a small kitchen herb/flower garden
make bookmarks, cards, post cards, etc.

I hope these ideas give you some inspiration!

I do believe some stores may carry a larger sized mouse with the buttons farther apart. That could help. Go to your local electronic department, talk to a sales clerk to and tell them the situation. I'm sure they can help you find something that would work for her better.

Merry Christmas!

Answer 5

I have a penchant for inflatable pool toys because they are bright, colorful and remind me of the fun, summer days gone by. At bit of nostastic, but, again, for the sake of nostalsic, what does it matter what it is so long as it brings back better days. On their side, if you keep them all inflated and there is no room left for the family care but, othewise, if somethings brings you pleasure and isn't illegal nor hurt anybody else, then it is their problem. If there IS a space storage why not rent a commercial storage place and enjoy your treasures in privacy, and at the next pool party--you are well stocks! Don't let anybody else rock your boat (no pun intended), find joy in those brightly colored, squishy objects! Cheers!

Answer 6

Sewing

Answer 7

My girlfriend has only one working hand and she makes things will a knitting loom, can find them at wal- mart cheap

Answer 8

i love knitting. but if she has arthritis you should try baking, photography, or some type of collection

Answer 9

puzzles