Help w/ Mother in Law

gingersmom · 09-05-2008, 10:46 PM

My 80 year old mother in law is coming to visit in 3 weeks. She's very sedentary and has NO hobbies. She gets up every morning and sits in front of her tv until it's time for bed. Please give me some suggestions for things to do with her. Can't go to Mt dora or much other shopping because she doesn't walk that well. She doesn't play golf, or any other athletics. Please Help!!!

redwitch · 09-05-2008, 10:49 PM

Sounds like maybe breakfast at Katie Belle's, a lunch or two and then let her watch TV. A very slow golf cart ride or two. It's hard when they have no interests.

gingersmom · 09-05-2008, 11:01 PM

Thanks Red, I was thinking maybe she'd like to make ceramics at the place in LSL where you can paint your own. Also maybe a tour of the different rec centers to see the different beautiful decor.

redwitch · 09-05-2008, 11:12 PM

And if not too muggy, an evening or two at the squares. Of course, if people are right that the love bugs are back, she can sit outside and swat them. I always find that to be a great pasttime. ;D

gingersmom · 09-05-2008, 11:23 PM

You're so funny. Doubt she'll sit outside. It's taken us 5 years to get her to leave Long Island for FL because "there's nothing in Florida but heat and bugs!" Maybe I'll take her for amani-pedi and then we'll go to Katie Belles and hook up. (Probably nhot what my husband has in mind.)

KathieI · 09-06-2008, 12:11 AM

Does she like to play Bingo or Dominoes? My Dad should be with me then and I'm going to try to find some of these events for him. Maybe we could hook up? He loves 80 year olds, loves to rob the cradle.... he's 92 and a lot of fun. They'll have a lot to talk about especially New York. So let me know, and I'll let you know if I find these games within the villages.

renielarson · 09-06-2008, 12:26 AM

Have you thought about renting a wheelchair for her? You could "wheel" her all around the square and other places with ease.

At least you'd be getting her out and about!

She might even surprise you. She may love it so much she may decide to get up and boogie down....lol. Well, at least, hopeful thinking, huh?

graciegirl · 09-06-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathieI

Does she like to play Bingo or Dominoes? My Dad should be with me then and I'm going to try to find some of these events for him. Maybe we could hook up? He loves 80 year olds, loves to rob the cradle.... he's 92 and a lot of fun. They'll have a lot to talk about especially New York. So let me know, and I'll let you know if I find these games within the villages.

What a great idea. You just made me smile Kathie. I hope both of those kids have a good time.

chelsea24 · 09-06-2008, 12:41 AM

Does your Mom like to go for rides. My Dad used to love to go for rides with me. It gets them out of the house and there is some beautiful country around here. Wish my Dad could've live to see it.

GG, why are you down? That's not like you darlin'? Please come to the front of my desk. hugs, chels

aln · 09-06-2008, 12:44 AM

My 89 year old mother-in-law lives with us. She has dementia & Alzheimer's.
My wife takes her to the rec centers during the day that has bluegrass music and acoustic guitar music & country music; VIRTUALLY ANY music pleases her.
Keeps her toes taping, hands clapping and sometimes she sings along.
Seems to work very well.
Even though she's not crazy about being out in the weather, depending on the music she likes the squares.
"music soothes the savage beast!"

renielarson · 09-06-2008, 12:51 AM

I didn't get the feeling that gracie was down. I got the feeling she was uplifted by Kathie's suggestion and was smiling thinking about what a happy occasion this might be.

KathieI · 09-06-2008, 01:21 AM

Gracie is never sad, she's so upbeat. Gracie, I'm watching your house everyday, and its crying cause your not there!!!

But I'm not kidding...gingersmom, does she like to dance? He still dances the lindy hop and loves it when women like to dance. We could meet at the squares too. Let's discuss this as it gets closer.

And he really does love to have fun and play games. He's looking forward to getting into assisted living here in Florida as soon as I can get him a room.

graciegirl · 09-06-2008, 01:29 AM

You caught me. I changed it. My only Granddaughter and my best buddy went away to College yesterday. Sorry to inflict. She is gonna do wonderful things. It's just that she was in arms reach, just a mile away for her whole life.

I am so sorry. I just selfishly hijacked this thread.

Our daughter Helene has been a companion to a not very spry 95 year old, a neighbor, for some time. Her older friend enjoys for me to pop in and give her a manicure and fool with her hair. The movies would be fun. OUR TV bingo's are great especially with that ice cream Sundae in the middle of the time.

gingersmom · 09-06-2008, 01:44 AM

It's me again. MIL doesn't like to dance but she does like music so going and listening at the squares or the rec centers might be a good idea. I thought of bingo, she'll be here Thursday to Monday afternoon so Kathie I'll see if we can find a game. She has been a widow for 2 years and sometimes I think she's just waiting to join her husband. I'd kinda like to stay in TV so she'll get to like it and it won't take another 5 years to get her here. Thanks for all the suggestions. She'll be here 2 weeks from tonight.

thehags · 09-06-2008, 01:44 AM

Graciegirl,
I can relate. My daughter left for school in Dayton (we're from Chicago) but I could just feel your reaction. But by Christmas when she came back home, she was so happy and she came home with so much more self-confidence and she just so thoroughly enjoyed her new found independence. It's so hard to see them step away from the nest, but it's what we really want for them.

Enjoy this new experience with her!

Help w/ Mother in Law

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