video chats fun activities
Lynne called me to video chat because she was bored. Her caregiver was standing by.
”I’ll be back in a little while to see what you want to watch on TV.”
That was encouraging to know. I suggested we dance to music from her Alexa dot. She liked that idea. Then a resident slowly walked behind Lynne to sort through Lynne’s bedding. Lynne turned around to see her. She said hello and called her by name, “What are you doing here?”
She silently continued browsing. I suggested Lynne help her leave the room. Instead of walking over to guide her out, Lynne walked out of the Portal camera view toward her door. Meanwhile her friend continued sorting through the bedding until she found two books. She lifted them up to eye level with one hand and shuffled away toward the door. I heard no sound. I waited and hung up.
I felt helpless. I couldn’t help her help another resident. I couldn’t help her protect her books. I couldn’t talk with her. I couldn’t help her dance.
I decided to believe in hope. Lynne was no longer bored. And she was helping a resident; and she found her caregiver to help her; and they convinced the bargain hunter to return Lynne’s books; and Lynne could browse through other residents rooms to replace her books; and by this time she was watching her favorite TV show; and we’ll dance another time.
I also decided we need to keep sending her paperbacks because we’re stocking Lynne’s whole floor.
At least I cared for me as her caregiver under Lynne’s COVID-19 quarantine.
I appreciate reading about another man who is caregiver for a loved one with dementia. I have been and continue to care for my wife of nearly 58 years. She is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s. My background is also as a professor and college administrator. In addition, I’m founder of a nonprofit organization that helps public schools. My blog, ultimately to be a book, is titled “Alzheimer’s and the Husband.”
A friend sent me a message that she’d sent 2 books yesterday and 2 book today. That’s another win.
I wish I could go someplace and browse through used books. I’m afraid to go to Goodwill and bring them home. That’s another win.
Bad news: she’s out a couple of books…good news: she’s responding in a helpful way to another resident who she called by name…wins can be where you find them…