I think that would be a great idea. Another one that you might propose is Needlepoint. That is something that I became obsessed with a number of years ago, and filled the house with lots of nice pillows and tapestry wall hangings. He can sit in his favorite chair and watch TV, if he wants to or, anywhere else. Not cross stitch but Wool Counted Stitch Needlepoint. I learned to do it from books and it is great sport. If that gives him pause to think about it, tell him that former NFL player Rosie Grier, who was/is a gigantic Black Man seemed to be able to pull it off and not have to worry about 'Appearances".
Either way you might save yourself from having to share the Quilting room if you headed him in the "Tapestry" direction. Just a thought.
John