Sign-In
Cart
Something to Do Together
Paperback
Aging & Elder CareAlzheimer's & Dementia
Publisher Price: $61.99
Publisher: Colin Wrenfield
Published: Aug 24 2026
Pages: 218
Weight: 0.66
Height: 0.46 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
as the older person's failure. And 52 of the 60 include a bedside adaptation for someone who cannot easily sit up or move about.
TWO CHAPTERS BEFORE YOU START
One for the visitor: why twenty minutes in is when it gets hard, why the television is not a failure, and why a short good visit beats a long strained one.
One for the coordinator: mixed groups, wildly different abilities in one room, the person who says nothing, the person who dominates, and how to end an activity cleanly.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Not therapy and not medicine. It does not treat, slow or diagnose anything. Nothing embarrasses anyone in front of a group - no solos, no performing, no required personal disclosure, no competition where someone visibly loses. Nothing assumes mobility, eyesight, hearing, family, or that the person can hold a pen.
You visit. You love them. And twenty minutes in, there is nothing left to say, so the television goes on and everybody feels vaguely guilty.
Everything in this aisle is designed for one older person alone with a pencil. Two people are badly served by that, and this book is for both of them.
The visiting relative, who needs something to do rather than something to say.
The activity coordinator in a care home or day centre, who has to fill an hour several times a week, with a mixed group and no budget.
Sixty ready-made things to do. No equipment, no preparation, no money.
NOTHING HERE CAN BE FAILED
This is the rule the whole book is built on. No activity requires the older person to remember anything correctly. Nothing tests them, nothing corrects them, nothing has a right answer they can miss. Where an activity touches the past it asks for an opinion or a description - never a date, never a name to produce. If a detail comes out wrong, it changes nothing.
SIX PARTS
- Talking - openers that are not how are you feeling
- Remembering without being tested - the past as material, not examination
- Quiet games - no board, no pieces
- Hands and senses - sorting, folding, tasting, listening
- Making something small - a letter, a recipe, instructions for a grandchild
- A group of four or more - ten designed for a room
EVERY ACTIVITY TELLS YOU WHAT TO DO WHEN IT DOES NOT WORK
Including cheerful permission to stop after four minutes and try another - never framed
Set in 16 point.
Also from
Wrenfield, Colin
Also in
Aging & Elder Care
When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia
Chin, Nathaniel
Hardcover
Making the Best of What's Left: When We're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered
Viorst, Judith
Hardcover
Independence for Life: The Complete Guide to Building Strength and Regaining Mobility Beyond 50
Harlow, Will
Paperback
The Miracle Morning After 50: A Proven Path to Joy, Vitality, and Purpose for Aging Adults
Elrod, Hal
Clark, Dwayne J.
Paperback
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
Brooks, Arthur C.
Hardcover
Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, Revised and Updated: A Guide for People with Dementia and Those Who Care for Them
Lunde, Angela
Graff-Radford, Jonathan
Hardcover
Longevity Guidebook: How to Slow, Stop, and Reverse Aging - and NOT Die from Something Stupid
Diamandis, Peter H.
Hardcover
Thriving Beyond Fifty (Expanded Edition): 111 Natural Strategies to Restore Your Mobility, Avoid Surgery and Stay Off Pain Pills for Good
Harlow, Will, Msc McSp
Paperback
Stress-Free Potty Training: A Commonsense Guide to Finding the Right Approach for Your Child
Au, Sara
Stavinoha Ph. D., Peter
Paperback
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Care for the Caregiver: 101 Stories of Advice and Humor for Dementia Care
Newmark, Amy
Paperback
The Dementia Care Toolkit: Real Help for Challenging Behaviors and Caregiving Overwhelm
Edmonds, Natali
Paperback
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life
Paxton, Matt
Paperback
Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer's and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers
Kostiw, Debra
Paperback
Aging Out: An Exploration of Caregiving, Corporations, and How Americans Grow Old (Large Print Edition)
Schiller, Lucy
Hardcover
It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond
Cameron, Julia
Lively, Emma
Paperback
The Essential Questions: Interview Your Family to Uncover Stories and Bridge Generations
Keating, Elizabeth, PH. D.
Hardcover
How to Retire Happy, Fourth Edition: The 12 Most Important Decisions You Must Make Before You Retire
Hinden, Stan
Paperback
Information My Family Needs to Know Organizer: Legacy Planner for Personal, Medical & Financial Affairs 4 Document Pockets Spiral Bound Gift for Adult
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Aba/AARP Checklist for My Family: A Guide to My History, Financial Plans, and Final Wishes, Second Edition
Hurme, Sally Balch
Paperback
21 Life Lessons For Teenage Boys: 21 Life Lessons For Teenage Boys: The Most Important Life Lessons I wish I knew When I was a Teen.
Welch, Ali
Abboud, James
Paperback
The Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity
Green, David
High, Bill
Hardcover
My Last Gift: An Essential End-Of-Life Planner: Important Guidance for You and Your Loved Ones
Boyer, Kim
Hardcover
The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself
Abbit, Linda
Paperback
The Astonishing Lives of Older Women: How to Create Pleasure Over Peril in Peak Longevity
Welsh, Moira
Paperback
Driving Miss Norma: An Inspirational Story about What Really Matters at the End of Life
Liddle, Ramie
Bauerschmidt, Tim
Paperback
The Joy of Chair Yoga for Seniors and Beginners: Lose Weight, Move Freely, Feel More Energetic, and Have Some Laughs!
Dolson, Heather
Paperback
Through the Years: More Activities for Memory-Challenged Adults and Their Caregivers
Green, Cynthia R.
Beloff, Joan
Paperback
Unconditional Love: A Guide to Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Being a Grandparent Today
Isay, Jane
Paperback
Travelers to Unimaginable Lands: Stories of Dementia, the Caregiver, and the Human Brain
Kiper, Dasha
Paperback
The Joy of Not Working: A Book for the Retired, Unemployed and Overworked
Zelinski, Ernie J.
Paperback
Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer's and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers
Kostiw, Debra
Hardcover
Crazy Grandma 2 Grayscale Coloring Book for Adults: Portrait Coloring Book Grandma goes crazy Grandma funny Coloring Book
Publishing, Monsoon
Paperback
The Complete Family Guide to Dementia: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself
Forester, Brent P.
Harrison, Thomas F.
Paperback
The Sage's Tao Te Ching, 25th Anniversary Edition: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life
Martin, William
Paperback
Strength Training for Seniors: Increase Your Balance, Stability, and Stamina to Rewind the Aging Process
Waehner, Paige
Paperback
I hear you: Talking and listening to people with Alzheimer's (and other dementias)
Mahakian, Jane
Kuhn, Alyson
Paperback
North American Birds Picture Book: Dementia Activities for Seniors (30 Premium Pictures on 70lb Paper With Names) (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
The Youngest Bee: A Louisiana Story of Sisterhood, Strength, and Alzheimer's
Evans, Virginia
Paperback
Is It Alzheimer's?: 101 Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions about Memory Loss and Dementia
Rabins, Peter V.
Hardcover
The Caregiver's Companion: Caring for Your Loved One Medically, Financially and Emotionally While Caring for Yourself
Brent, Carolyn A.
Paperback
Reminiscing 1960s America: Memory Lane Picture Book For Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer's patients. (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management
Smith, Nicole J.
Paperback
The Healing of a Caregiver: The Road to Acceptance and Recovery From the Loss of a Loved One
Palmer, Patrick
Paperback
Longevity Guidebook: How to Slow, Stop, and Reverse Aging - and NOT Die from Something Stupid
Diamandis, Peter H.
Paperback
The Sage's Tao Te Ching, 20th Anniversary Edition: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life
Martin, William
Paperback
Mildred's Mindset: Wisdom from a Woman Centenarian
Kirschenbaum, Gayle
Kirschenbaum, Mildred
Paperback
Information My Family Needs to Know (Folder - Simple 1-2-3 Kit)
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Is It Alzheimer's?: 101 Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions about Memory Loss and Dementia
Rabins, Peter V.
Paperback
What's Next in Your Life?: A Spiritual Guide to Retirement and Purposeful Aging
Briggs, James I.
Paperback
Grandma Tell me your Story: A Guided Keepsake Journal for your Grandmother to share her Life & her Memories
Rossi, Erika
Vida, Ô. Linda
Paperback
How to Care for Aging Parents: A One-Stop Resource for All Your Medical, Financial, Housing, and Emotional Issues
Morris, Virginia
Paperback
Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults
Buchanan, Missy
Paperback
With Love: A Practical Guide to Caring for Aging Parents Through the End of Life
Hofer, Shari
Kazmi, Shabnam
Paperback
Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself
Chiaramonte, Delia
Paperback
A View from Life's Edge: Discovering What Really Matters with Older Women Across the Globe
Dempsey, Corinne G.
Paperback
Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?: Plan Now to Safeguard Your Health and Happiness in Old Age
Loverde, Joy
Paperback
The Wisdom of Menopause (4th Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change
Northrup, Christiane
Paperback
When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A Geriatrician's Step-by-Step Guide to Memory Loss, Resistance, Safety Worries, & More
Kernisan, Leslie
Scott, Paula Spencer
Paperback
Farm Life: a Picture Book In Large Print For Adults And Seniors (Large Print Edition)
Thornton, Nevada
Paperback
AARP the Other Talk: A Guide to Talking with Your Adult Children about the Rest of Your Life
Prosch, Tim
Paperback
Inheritance Heists: Reclaim Your Family's Legacy and Fight Back Against Financial Predators
Hackard, Michael
Paperback
Heartwarming Short Stories for Seniors: Relaxing and Uplifting Short Stories for Seniors - Large Print Edition
Vance, Owen R.
Studio, Orvian
Paperback
WHAT THE HELL DO I DO NOW? A Professionals' Guide to a Meaningful Retirement
White, R. Dean
Paperback
Love, Dignity, and Parkinson's: from Care Partner to Caregiver (Large Print Edition)
Pease, Terri
Paperback
Older & Wiser: Stories of Inspiration, Humor, and Wisdom about Life at a Certain Age (Large Print Edition)
Newmark, Amy
Canfield, Jack
Hansen, Mark Victor
Paperback
The Housemates: Everything One Student Learnt about Love, Care and Dementia from Living in a Nursing Home
Toebes, Teun
Paperback
Making Peace with Dementia: An Occupational Therapist's Formula for Optimizing Care and Restoring Calm
Olson, Ann
Paperback
Let's Talk about Aging Parents: A Real-Life Guide to Solving Problems with 27 Essential Conversations
Tamblyn Watts, Laura
Paperback
Day to Day Caregiving for Dementia: A Mayo Clinic Guide for Offering Care and Support
Lunde, Angela M.
Paperback
Visiting Mrs. Morgan: A Handbook for Visiting Aging, Homebound and Hospitalized People
Emblen, Julia Quiring
Paperback
Reminiscing 1970s America: Memory Lane Picture Book for Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients. (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
Beyond Bedrails and Bingo: Myths, Truths, and the Future of America's Nursing Homes
Devereaux, Dave
Paperback
Age Doesn't Matter Unless You're a Cheese: Wisdom from Our Elders
Petras, Ross
Petras, Kathryn
Paperback
Chasing Independence: Growing Old in the Shadow of an American Ideal
Altomonte, Guillermina
Paperback
Survive Your Husband's Retirement 2nd Edition: Tips on Staying Happily Married in Retirement
Hall, MS Nora R.
Paperback