Things For Mother To Do!

[Scarlett]

My dad died a couple of months ago and my mum is alone for the first time in 55 years (she’s 80). She’s doing her best to keep busy at home, mostly cooking and housework but she gets very sad on rainy and cold days. I live miles away and want to send her something from Amazon to keep her busy. She already has jigsaws. Any ideas would be great, maybe good films? Or anything that would be a nice surprise to get in the post?!

[Tilly2]

What hobbies does she have?

[Scarlett]

She likes gardening but can’t do that in this weather. Other than that, not a lot. Cooking. She was my dad’s carer so her life was mostly looking after him. And jigsaws!

[bednobs]

Sudoko? Does she like books? I have also been recently bereaved and have been filling my brain with Netflix series and crappy books on my kindle to prevent me having to think about being sad

[ladybirder]

What about an animal to look after? Walking dog in her local park she will meet lots of others doing the same who will stop and chat to her. An older rescue dog would probably be best, house trained already and not too lively. Or a cat? Gerbil? ...

[ummmm]

If you can afford it I was thinking Netflix as well.

Has she got wifi? You could buy her an Amazon fire stick.

[Tilly2]

An adult colouring book and some lovely pencil crayons.

Plenty on Amazon.
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Cloverjo]

Puzzle books?
I’ve just rediscovered logic problems that I used to enjoy.

New recipe books? Some cuisine she hasn’t cooked before.

[woofgang]

has she got a windowsill space to start seeds inside?

[ladybirder]

Sitting down in the house on her own every day watching TV or doing puzzles or jigsaws is not a healthy life for an 80 year old woman. Yes OK for some of the time but she really ought to be encouraged to get out and about for a walk at least.

[Scarlett]

Thanks all- great ideas! She goes out every day and tries to walk but she gets depressed very easily by bad weather and needs to find fun stuff to do when affected by SAD. Love the dog idea.

[ladybirder]

Good, I hoped you wouldn't be offended. It will take her mind in a different direction with a small elderly, say 10 year old, or over, dog. It will give her a reason to get up in the morning and will give structure to her day. And she will make a little mutt very very happy and vice versa. x

[sherrardk]

Why don’t you get her a SAD light, I know it’s not something to do but it might help her.

[Purist]

Painting by numbers? My mother does these and she finds them quite relaxing

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect part of the normal grieving process is to feel sad and even if there are other things one might do, one needs to have reached the stage where one can get immersed in them rather than contemplate what has occured and is going to be the new situation. If there is anything that helps it would be existing interests. And bring out with friends can help, but is no cure all: but true friends will realise and adjust/accommodate. Perhaps ask you mum what interests she does have.

[shoota]

Bonsai trees - both indoor and outdoor.

[Theland]

A dog definitely.
To care for.

[roopower]

Does she knit, sew or crochet? If so, see if theres a knit and natter group locally. Great chance to have a bit of a social life. I go to one at the local library, most knit, I do cross stitch and we all put the world to rights every week.

[THECORBYLOON]

Does she knit or crochet?

[THECORBYLOON]

What about wordsearch books?

[THECORBYLOON]

ROO, I could've sworn your answer wasn't there when I posted. Wonder if I'm getting dottled...