@hieronyma Textor thanks a ton for the tips. Right now he has elderly family members who are enabling him and thats not helping. Time to sit and have a talk with everyone.
Yesterday was thrift shop day and found some exercise equipment to build my hand strength.
Today, read about sewing awls in my email feed. One of the comments suggested to scavenge the yard sales for good fasteners. Even though the article of clothing, or tent may not be what you need, the fasteners will come in handy. Also read about the disadvantages of velcro; eg doesnt last, noisy, gets gummed up easily.