[Loud Mime]

My father had dementia, along with several other problems that led to his death last month. During his last days in the hospital he constantly used the IPad to play cribbage and solitaire, or to watch “Tombstone” or “Bullit.”

Although I had to initiate the games and occasionally help him through user mistakes (it can read only one finger touching the screen), the IPad proved to be a tool for his enjoyment. It was a blessing for all of us. He enjoyed himself instead of laboring though the questions of why he was in the hospital and why he couldn’t go home.

Those of you that care for people with dementia may want to take a look at the IPad and its many programs. It not only helped us with Dad, it helped him enjoy himself.

[Swordmaker]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I am glad that you found a way to keep him amused in his last days. The iPad has such a short learning curve it is probably excellent for people with alzheimer’s too... they can learn it anew everyday and still enjoy it.

[dawn53]

My mom is confined to a bed, and also suffers from mild dementia. I download apps that are appropriate for her and she can play/use them because she doesn’t have to use a mouse, just her finger (although she was very computer saavy before her illness...a mouse would be too complicated at this point.)

I also use my iPad as a babysitter, LOL. My grandnieces love a virtual paperdoll app, it’s very creative.

My son is grown, but I homeschooled, and when I see the apps available I think that the iPad would be a great addition to any homeschooler. We used electronic passive learning (like the geosafari) and there are many apps on the iPad that create the same learning situation.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

My father had dementia, along with several other problems that led to his death last month. During his last days in the hospital he constantly used the IPad to play cribbage and solitaire, or to watch “Tombstone” or “Bullit.”

It not only helped us with Dad, it helped him enjoy himself.

A real blessing. I was pleased when my mother favorably commented on the water color over the mantle which I had bought from an art student friend back in the day. Mother sat many an hour where she could see that restful woodland scene.

I would have thought an iPad was dirt cheap if it would have helped entertain her . . .