Adult Colouring Book?

[Lumpy]

My OH has quite serious health problems and I have been wondering what to get him for over the winter when he can longer go outside and rip the weeds (and quite a few plants) up.

I have been reading about adult colouring books as they are supposed to help with stress and memory etc.

Has anybody had a go with them or do you know someone who has.

If so what are they worth him trying?

[Snoop Puss]

Lumpy, we tried colouring books with my Dad. He had dementia and couldn't read or tell the time any more. But otherwise you could have a conversation with him if you were a sympathetic listener, and he loved music. He loved sport and watching old programmes on TV that he was familiar with, but couldn't follow the plot of anything new.

He didn't get on at all with colouring books. Couldn't fill in between the lines to his own satisfaction. Just made him more frustrated at his declining skills.

I don't know what your OH is suffering from or to what degree. Just wanted to share my experience.

The things that gave my Dad most pleasure - apart from being with my Mum - and kept his stress levels down was their cat and watching old movies on DVD, especially musicals.

[Nannysally99]

It's worth a try Lumpy, I know I have seen them at my Daughters.

[Lumpy]

Thanks both. I have a similar problem Snoop but hes only 57 and we watch the same progs over and over again. I had not thought about the staying within the lines issue. He used to do matchstick and plastic models but thats beyond him now.

I really need ideas for over the winter and this was the only thing I came up with.

[Snoop Puss]

Really sorry to hear your situation, Lumpy. Sounds very like my Dad, but younger. That must be very hard.

Rather than colouring books, do you think he might take to acrylics or gouache and just do abstract pieces of his own invention? Watercolours might be another option, but they are usually more delicate, not so brash and bright or satisfying to apply in a great splurge of the brush.

Is he complaining about watching the same old programmes? In the case of my Dad, they made him feel more confident and in control. Nothing new to worry about. He knew the words to all the songs in the musicals and the dialogue, but that was a source of satisfaction for him rather than boredom. It was more a problem for my Mum watching them repeatedly than for him.

Lastly, are you getting any support? Are there any clubs or events he could go to?

Edited to add: the controversial issue is getting a pet. More worry for you, but very 'occupying' for your OH. Can't think of the right word: not busy but engaged or focused.

[Lumpy]

Thanks Snoop - I will reply 'quietly'

[Nicos]

Would he be interested in creating collages of family photos ?
I'm thinking that you could copy originals, cut them out and create Xmas cards with them or frames pictures?
Lots of happy memories, cutting out, pasting, and personal messages with no time pressures.
Wonderful Xmas gifts/memories for friends and family????
You could have wonderful shared memories of each photo....

Just a thought...

[Bigmallly]

How about a fish tank?

[rary]

I was thinking along the same lines as BM, but I was thinking more of putting it on TV as you can get DVDs showing a fish tank, and if your OH shows any interest then it may be worth the expense of installing a tank of fish, you should be able to pick up a tank quite cheaply, I had kept fish for years before giving all my equipment and fish away free of charge I am sure their will be a good number of people willing to help.
And welcome back BM

[Bigmallly]

Cheers Rary. Years ago I spent more time watching the fish tank than I did TV..............until I fell asleep..............

[Lumpy]

Ta for the idea Nicos but he gets frustrated if things arnt going quick enough for him so his patience level is zilch.

I love the idea of a fish tank but I would end up looking after it and although very calming (my Dad had one and I loved the Coolie Loach that hid in the sand) I don't think that it would stimulate his thought processes as it is a spectator thingy rather than an activity.

[Small pumpkin]

I very nearly brought myself an adult colouring book several times. For when I was on those hideous train journeys. Only thing that stopped me was the amount of other stuff I had to carry. I think they would be really helpful.
I know that whsmith$ had loads to choose from, I'm sure some started appearing in the cheapy shops as well (but that's a little over 12 months, since I was in civilisation).

[Lumpy]

^^^^^ SP they appear to do pocket sized ones as well. Might be worth a try for the train.

[noviceveggrower]

I was thinking a fish tank. But how about jigsaws. I googled Jigsaws for dementia patients and there's a load of information. One shop I had a quick check at was

Games and activities for people with dementia - Care Shop

also Amazon sell puzzles that might be suitable for him.

My nan, who use to live with us, use to like reading Mills and Boons books and watch Columbo and Murder She Wrote every day. So I know what its like watching the same thing day in day out.

[Small pumpkin]

^^^^^ SP they appear to do pocket sized ones as well. Might be worth a try for the train.

Thanks lumpy, but I never need to go near a train ever again