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We find wet clothes hanging in her room, tons of thread off the spools etc. TV doesn't seem to entertain her. Any suggestions on what can keep her occupied?

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I’m wondering if Mom isn’t bored, but Sundowning. What she’s doing seems like what someone would do if they were agitated and anxious. Maybe a meds adjustment?

I would take the microwave out if she doesnt know how to use it.
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Tryingourbest Oct 2018
Agitated or anxious, think you have something there because we find things tossed behind her bureau all the time. Food, clothes, etc. I'll mention this to her doctor this week during her checkup. Thanks
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I will assume that she has Dementia. Yes, they have a problem sitting. TV doesn't keep their attention because they really can't follow a plot.
My Mom would take her clothes out of the closet and put them in the dirty clothes. I would remove the thread. She probably has no idea how to use it anymore. I left nothing Mom could hurt herself with. I carried nail clippers and nail files in my car.
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My MIL's ALF has no night time activities. Dinner is over by 6:00 so afterwards she goes to her room. The ALF cleans and does her laundry once a week. She does have Dementia. Her hobby is sewing so taking away her buttons and threads could be a big issue. She washes her clothes in the shower and will use all of her body wash. I just can't keep of with this madness. I know it's the disease. She's not hurting herself however just realizing now that we found a wet shirt in her microwave. She doesn't know how to use but if she continues to play with it then maybe she'll get it working. Should we tell the staff to take it away just incase?
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Restlessremedy Oct 2018
I would try a sewing themed Fidget Quilt. You can find them on Amazon and Etsy.
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More information about your mother's situation will help those with similar situations share their experiences.

How do the clothes get wet, for example.

Does the ALF offer any evening activities? (Live entertainment, bingo, read-aloud sessions? Movies?)

When is dinner in that facility? When is Mom's usual bedtime?
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Try a fidget quilt—also known as fidget blankets. You can find them on Amazon or Etsy. Or if you know someone who sews, you can asked them to make one for you. They are really helpful for boredom and help sooth anxiety.
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I just ordered the Tangle Creations Tangle Therapy fidget from Amazon for my mom. Looks safe and uncomplicated.
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If your mom is in AL you are probably paying a small fortune, for which they should be providing activities or companionship, even if it's in a group, in the evenings. Maybe she could help resetting the tables for breakfast? Does she like puzzles of any kind? Has the AL introduced her to the other residents; maybe she find find a few to socialize with on a regular basis. Does she have a CD player? You could burn a disc of her favorite music.
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AT1234 Oct 2018
My mom has a “talking book” that plays cassettes of books. She loves that, got it from state council for blind theyvare free and she gets new ones every week.
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Her concentration isn't enough to follow a tv programme anymore so try songs that she loved from many generations or what she grew up with - songs that are up beat are best - short ones with a 'story' in them like ballads are good but mix them up a lot - she probably can follow them as most are 3 minutes or under -

Get a large unit to play them on so it doesn't go 'walk about' when some other resident sees it or attach a small unit to a piece of furniture
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I'm wondering why her clothes are wet and what is with the thread off the spools? Is she attempting to sew? She may be agitated. Check with her doctor.
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I believe that she is washing her CLEAN clothes, not the dirty ones. That is most definitely a problem! If you go see her daily, you could limit the clothes she has in her closet and drawers. Maybe one outfit for the next day and one backup in your car.

I would have the microwave removed. She could put something metal in it. You may have to remove the shower gel, dish soap, et. all, unless someone can bring it with them - you or a companion. The soap and water could just as easily cause a fall, as clean her clothes.

At this point in her journey, it seems the best to limit her access to anything she can destroy or use inappropriately. Watch for hoarding food in unusual places also.
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