Good activities to do with an elderly man with debility?

Question

I am doing hospice visits for a 67 year-old man with debility. He can't really talk, but he can communicate on some level. He likes to be read to. So, what are some good books/stories to read to him? Maybe something from the 50s, when he was a child? What are some other things you think he would enjoy?

Answer 1

If he can communicate in a way, bring a few books with you, try different types, like a mystery, a classic, science fiction etc, let him pick what he wants to hear.
You didn't say how debilitated he was. If he can sit up and use his hands, puzzles are a good activity, that would be something you can do together that doesn't require much communication. Some gentlemen like to put together models, especially of cars from the 40's and 50's (when he was a child). Someone above mentioned card games and dominoes. I know several people around 67 who like to play dominoes. If he is home bound, and doesn't get out much (if it is allowed) a short ride in the car is nice, or a stroll in the park (even if he is in a wheelchair) getting out may be enjoyable for him.
I took care of my Father-In-Law for awhile. It was a bit of a struggle, but one of his favorite things was getting outside, no matter what the weather. He also loved to bird watch, we got a book, and watched birds from the window, then we looked them up in the book, and wrote them down. If I had a camera at the time, we could have taken pictures.
As you get to know the man you are caring for, you will know what activities he enjoys the most. Talk to him, ask him if he would like to do certain things, if he can communicate, then he should be able to communicate likes and dislikes. Remember, just because he is disabled doesn't mean he is not as human as before.
Good Luck with your endeavor, I'm sure the two of you will be fine.

Answer 2

I'll be 68 next month. I just finished reading all seven of the Harry Potter books, and I enjoyed the heck out of them. They're not classics in the sense of "Huckleberry Finn" or "The Scarlet Letter" but they are well written with some pretty intricate plots and subplots running through them. They're listed as juvenile fiction but, so what? Got to keep up with these young whipper-snappers, whatever that is.

Anyhow, the point is, I'm the same age as the "elderly man" you're helping. I thought since I liked the books, maybe he would as well.

Afterthought: I read the books but my library also has recordings of these books as well. I don't know how that works since I've never partaken but it's something to think about.

Answer 3

How about asking him? Personally, I am in for the quick read of mystery stories (the old John Mcdonald "Travis McGee" series is quick read, excellent story telling, easy to read, and just plain fun. I would think that any story that is real, technical, etc...would put him to sleep...Ask and you will have your answer. You are an angel to volunteer to entertain and bring a light into his life. I rarely say this, but bless you. If he likes John Mcdonald ( you can find the book on Ebay or at Amazon .com...used books are cheap, you may even find them in the library...paper backs are a good buy...and you will love his writing style...to the point, no wasted words, enough "paint" to see the story. These were all best sellers in their time...the stories all occur in the 60's in Fort Lauderdale, before Flordia was overrun with developement...oh, for the good old days. Good luck, and peace.

Answer 4

You might start with music from his era, fifties, sixties, most people respond to music that they listened to . You also might find some radio shows like Burns and Allen, Lights Out, Baby Snooks, the Bickersons, the Shadow and play those for him.

Perhaps you can find out from his family what kinds of books and or magazines he likes. You can always read the newspaper to him or news magazines like Macleans or Time or Newsweek for example.

Play checkers with him or chess if you know how, he might surprise you and know how to play as well.

If he is able take him out for a walk on the grounds either for a real walk or in his wheelchair.

Talk to him about your life , what you want to do, what you are doing now.
Being in your late sixties isn't ancient you know, although to someone young it probably seems like it.

If you can go to the library maybe find some vhs or dvds of old tv shows from the 50s and 60s and 70s, even some old movies like the musicals or screwball comedies with the Marx Brothers or Mae West or WC Fields. Or maybe a movie like Mrs. Doubtfire or City Slickers . Concerts from Perry Como, Judy Garland, Andy Williams, John Denver and the Muppets, even the Muppet show.

Hope this helps .

Answer 5

Louie Lamour cowboy tales are easy readers and laughable. You would be amazed how many older people love the old standby Readers Digest. You can also get for free from the state recorded books on tapes for him. Contact a library and ask, they ship the tapes and recorder and send a prepaid envelope to return them in.

Answer 6

Music!! Big band, swing, blues. Of course reading to him (newpapers, magazines, etc.), play solitaire for him, draw pictures (even if you can't draw he will enjoy them). Bring some movies for him to watch. He'll enjoy the old black and whites...The Thin Man, anything with Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, some westerns maybe with John Wayne.

Answer 7

Read a book to him [something about the 50's.,Play cards and most of all let him talk about the past as old men love to talk .

Answer 8

read "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen..it is about the circus during the depression era...great read.

Answer 9

Play card games, domino's