If you are caring for someone who is a fishing enthusiast, setting up a tackle box can be a meaningful and fun activity. Depending on a person's stage of the illness it may be best not to include hooks or sharp objects in the box. However, plenty can still be done with colorful lures (hooks removed), bobbers, rubber fish, fishing line and sinkers.
Tackle Box or 2 Tray Tackle Box
Fishing Lures
Have your loved one organize the box by putting each item in separate compartments. Talk about the different types of fishing and what fish are found during what season and in what regions.
Magazines and books are a great outside source of entertainment.
A book, magazine, or audiobook.
Either read a book or magazine aloud to your loved one, or let them flip through one on their own. If your loved one doesn't mind headphones, an audiobook, either on a smartphone or tablet, might be perfect. You can get audiobooks free from your local library or from Audible by Amazon when you purchase an Audible Membership.
Building and construction is an activity that most men have experience with. You can be creative with the track you create and where it would be best used. You can even create surrounding scenery with your loved one. Trains often provide a sense of nostalgia for those who may have used them as a young child. This is also an activity that engineers or mechanics may particularly enjoy.
Going to a museum is a great way to entertain a loved one that requires minimal effort on the part of the caregiver with the exception of travel. There are many different types of museums so whether it is art, history or a specific exhibit your loved one is interested in, there is much to explore.
Inquire about what your loved one is seeing or experiencing. Ask them what they like about the piece or to describe it to you.\nSome museums offer dementia-specific days where the collection and presentation is designed to accommodate those with memory care concerns. Check your local resources to find out if a museum near you offers this type of program. Local calendars such as this New England calendar, are available online.
Choose a movie to watch together and set up the space with a special movie atmosphere.