What can a caregiver do when they are caught up on their work?

i cook clean,ect. have alot of spare time. any ideas what else i can do at patients house?he sleeps alot and watches tv. we dont go antwhere and i dont crouchet anymore.

Read a book

Bring along a book or something that you really enjoy!!!

make a jigsaw puzzle

write letters

Read a book, watch Tv. relax.

if your patient's awake, you could reminise about a favorite time he or she had in the past or play a trivia game with him.

I was a care giver for 10 years and then the woman died.
From my experience when they are awake sit down and talk to them. That is what they want most is to be paid attention to. A lot of really old people feel devalued. You can make phone calls for them or read to them. But talking to them and acting like you really care is most important.

I am looking after my parents (my mother is 84 and is suffering from dementia.) (my father is 83 and is just plain stubborn and won't check his blood sugar.) I think the best thing one could do is just be patient with the person you are caring for and give them the respect they are due and listen to them. You need to learn a language or learn a new hobby. I know it sounds childish but I actually color (with crayons) and it relaxes me.

i always take a book or a crossword book with me.newspapers etc..anything to kill time

learn a different language, sing a song, study the bible, find a verse to read to the patient,exercise,write a poem to read the patient,pray.

Salam

They used to do things in a much better way long ago, and no one had to leave to go anywhere to do anything, everyone came to them and it was free. What a crying shame when we take human life to account for a cost? The world is truly a messed up place when we have lost the meaning of human value. What you do is in greatness with blessings if its done out of the goodness of your heart to help. Obviously you have to be compensated for such in reward, sometimes its not here. You are there for a job and inshAllah its done well, what you can do is bring something of interest to your job not only for you but him or her. What if you where rewarded in a greater fashion not only by the patient but the community also as a whole? What is wrong with the system of observation when its just observation?

So many responds here and only a few truly understand...GEESH...! The others may regret their words when their children choose their nursing home...! lol

I know what you are going thru and it isn't easy for a person so used to being active...

My only thought is that your "personal" spare time would be to discover something of interest that pleases you even if never having tried before. I know you are filled with compassion and would suggest you write poetry in your idle momments or perhaps write short stories of the most pleasant times of your life...

In other words, learn how to relax for your own self and do so before you burn out... ALL compassionate people are able to write so don't feel yourself unable...

For those times when he is awake, learn his past interests and do what it takes to revive some of them within reason and of his health condition... Share those interests with him and try to build upon them so as to keep his mind active and motivated towards activity... Your own rewards will be felt as well...

I wish you success...

have a nap