Need Ideas for Grandma to Do in Nursing Home

Grandmas LOVE to show off their grandbabies!! So be sure to keep her overflowed with pictures of the kids. You can order them online and have them shipped directly to her address. Just the everyday little stuff is what she will enjoy.

Another great idea is a Photo Puzzle of your girls. Again, you can order online and ship to her. The pieces are large and easy enough for her to see, and will help keep her on her toes. If she can't see the pieces, imagine the thrill she will get from having her friends help her put it together.

There are plenty of online crossword puzzles/other games that you can enlarge and print in a size that she will be able to see.

Does she have any hobbies in place? Encourage her to attend all the activities at the home. Also, send her some gift certificates for Hair/Beauty services. Either they will have those services onsite, or they have scheduled trips to an offsite location. Ask the staff to help out on this one. I have noticed that the ladies who continue to pamper themselves seem to make a better go of their situation and stay healthier/more active.

Another idea to keep her company would be one of those photo blanket throws, again of the grandkids. Just having novelty items like that gives them reason to spark up conversations with their hallmates. I truly think that forming those friendships really helps.

If she is religous, the Bible on tape/dvd/mp3 would be nice.

I hope some of this helps. If you need more later, please let us know.

K.,

I have read that crossword puzzles (they make them in very large print for seniors) really help to keep the mind limber and memory sharper, they use them like word bingos in some nursing homes. I love the idea of memory books, that was great.
K. W

Accompany her to social activities scheduled at the home.

Make sure to make her video or audio tapes of youf family. DOesn't matter what they are, just hearing/seeing your family is good.
Buy her a tape recorder and encourage her to tape memories from her childhood- or if her vision permits buy her one of theose "Grandma Remembers" books OR make your own w/ a simple spiral notebook and a started question on the top of the pages- you know Like write "Grandpa and I met.........." "As a young girl I liked to play......" Those types of things that someday YOUR kids will enjoy.

Maybe you could send care packages regularly, with pictures, videos, etc, that everyone has suggested already. I might also include lotions and body washes with pretty scents. I think you can also find gel "candles" that smell nice even without burning.

How much difficulty is she having with her eyesight? Do you think she can still see if the print is enlarged? There are magnifying glasses and even overlay screens for a computer. Most computers also have settings that you can change to increase the size of the print and even read the words aloud to you.

The one other thing that may be nice is to set up a "phone date" with her and you/your children once a week (or so). That way you can feel connected while you are waiting to go see her. (that must be hard)