Activities for the elderly confused

September 21, 8:55 AMSilver Spring Elder Care ExaminerLori Burdoo

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He wasn't confused but
Indian poker is always fun and easy!

Our outside world tends to become smaller and smaller as we age and especially dwindles if confusion sets in. It can be a very daunting task to come up with ways to entertain elderly confused individuals but, with a bit of creativity, it can be done.

~ Play music from eras gone by~

Try selecting and playing some of the old time songs from their youth. Big band sounds filling the room might transport confused minds back to a wonderful memory. Toe tapping might be a sign that enjoyment is present. Try introducing a simple musical instrument such as a triangle or tambourine for your elderly charge to keep time with. Or, purchase a few old time radio programs such as Abbott and Costello or Bob Hope - you might be surprised how much fun these are to listen to today.

~Experiment with soft polymer clays~

If arthritis is not much of an issue, purchase some soft polymer clays, such as Sculpey, and help your senior citizen friend sculpt beads or figures. These clays bake in the oven to a hardened state and make wonderful presents for family members. You can even buy books with 'patterns' - there's a whole sub world of sculpey fans out there!

~Grab a deck of playing cards~

If confusion is mild, play an easy game of cards, such as war. If the mind allows, play a more advanced game, such as gin or gin rummy. Arthritis may prevent your senior friend from holding a hand of cards so here's a creative way to help out. Keep math skills tuned by asking your elderly partner to keep score, if they can. A rousing game of Indian poker is always funny!

If you see signs of frustration when tasks are attempted but not completed, either distract the attention or change the task so that it matches your elderly friend's skill level. Be careful though to not make the task too simple as can cause feelings of embarrassment or be demeaning.