So sorry to hear this.

Some suggestions that might help - everyone is different...My dad broke his leg (helping my brother on a construction job) when he was 60. Later he was in an accident and was a total invalid for awhile, then partially for the rest of his life.

He loved to read, preferred historical fiction. He loved historical programs on TV. There are good tapes of the history channel articles. He would turn up the stereo real loud when no one was home - my sister gave him a nice CD player. Before he could drive his truck, we gave him a riding lawnmower so he could drive around the farm by himself - that independance was the most important thing. This was before the days of the Internet, but he would have enjoyed it emmensely. An autioneer offerred him a "job" helping at auctions - he didn't do it, but it meant a lot to him to be thought of. He went to the local small town coffee club everyday to catch up on all the gossip.

My two uncles in their 80's send me joke emails everyday. Both surf the 'net a lot - one collects music, the other is into geneology. They love digital cameras and scanners so they can send pictures. One is envious of my Paint Shop Pro Prgram where I can personalize pictures with captions and funny illustrations.

One uncle has a knitting machine and makes baby blankets for anyone and everyone that needs one. The other uncle makes special tapes of music and silliness for family members. My father-in-law enjoyed rug hooking - would trace manhole covers for a pattern.

Good luck. Your mom needs support too. My mom had to do all the driving - which was a tremendous adjustment for both of them!

Oh yes, after his accident and subsequent wheelchair, my brother-in-law built a handicap ramp so he could easily get from the car into the house. There are also lots of aids for mobiltiy designed for the handicapped - might be worth exploring.