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Ideas to help elderly Dad (widower)

7 replies

OverTheRainbowLiesOz · 17/03/2020 23:36

Needs to keep away from people but I don't want him to get bored or sad.

Obvious ideas are facetime / phone calls, books, newspaper, walk in garden. I could presumably go and sit a reasonable distance away in garden for a chat too.

Anything else?

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wheretoyougonow · 17/03/2020 23:56

What about having odd bits delivered to him or getting any grandchildren to write letters?
Could you buy a puzzle or puzzle book etc.
Get some DVD's delivered or a beer he would like etc.
Does he like gardening - some seeds to plant?
It's tough time for you both but you sound very supportive Thanks

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Els1e · 18/03/2020 00:32

What does he like doing? I’ve bought my mum puzzle books and large print murder mysteries. We’ve set up family Skype and WhatsApp . Not sure how much mum will get any of it but we’re trying.

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OverTheRainbowLiesOz · 18/03/2020 05:19

He loves his garden but is not particularly mobile any more. I think he could cope with a raised bed and something easy like radishes. Good idea!

He loves puzzles (will order some more) and his radio. I might try some audio books. Already on Whatsapp and he has a family chat with all the Grandchildren which he loves. I'm teaching him how to face time.

Do any of your parents have Alexa and if so is it worth a try?

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user1480880826 · 18/03/2020 05:41

Would he be interested in learning a new skill? Like a musical instrument or a language?

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Theworldisfullofgs · 18/03/2020 05:45

What about the WhatsApp portal ?

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OverTheRainbowLiesOz · 18/03/2020 05:46

Musical instrument isn't possible as he even struggles to write. Maybe a language.

There must be a whole list of other skills to look into. Good idea.

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OverTheRainbowLiesOz · 18/03/2020 05:46

He is on our Whatsapp chat.

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