According to the CDC, more than 6 million elderly adults currently have Alzheimer’s disease, the most well-known type of dementia. This incurable disease irreversibly damages the brain, resulting in cognitive decline, language issues, significant memory loss, impaired executive function, and an inability to perform daily activities and manage self-care adequately. However, caregivers can establish meaningful activities that effectively assist dementia patients with social engagement, positive self-expression, and stress reduction. Family members searching for activities to capture their loved one’s attention will find many ideas in this article – use these ideas as a springboard to develop a schedule of activities everyone enjoys and benefits from.
Garden Activities: With spring arriving this month, now is the perfect time to start gardening projects. Planting and caring for a garden offers substantial health benefits, not the least of which is time spent outdoors enjoying the sunshine. Vitamin D, a nutrient related to sun exposure, can sometimes reduce the adverse cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Being outdoors surrounded by beauty is therapeutic for everyone, but cultivating a garden allows seniors to strengthen and tone their muscles as they work in the dirt. If your senior loved one resides in an assisted living or memory care facility and does not have access to an outside garden, container gardening is an ideal solution. This specialized form of gardening works in small areas and gives seniors a sense of responsibility – allowing them to care for something instead of constantly being fussed over. Caring for a small garden and watching things grow can provide great joy when someone is grieving the loss of their independence. Bright flowers adorning their room also help to provide comfort and serenity.
Creative Outlets: Making art is one of the most effective and therapeutic activities for dementia patients. Those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia who participate in artistic activities and creative projects will see their agitation and stress minimized and their mood boosted. Art projects do not need to be elaborate or complicated to be beneficial. In fact, even the easiest art project offers the opportunity to express a full range of emotions freely, resulting in a tangible sense of accomplishment. Caregivers can decide which type of art will be best for their loved one’s personality, motor skills, and attention span. They may choose to let them work with clay, paint a flowerpot for their container garden, work with stones or tiles, or even draw with colored pencils. There is no “best” way to create art – it is genuinely an individual expression.
Outings and Excursions: Regardless of age or capability, everyone enjoys a change in routine. Staring at the same four walls every day can be depressing, but new scenery can do wonders to elevate mood – especially the beautiful scenery here in South Florida. Not only will outings benefit Alzheimer’s patients, but they can also help caregivers who need a break to decompress and relax. An excursion can be as simple as a walk around their memory care facility grounds, sitting on the boardwalk at the beach, or visiting the botanical gardens. If you believe your loved one can sit for a film, a classic movie can stimulate the memory of a dementia patient – or at least, offer a soothing sense of familiarity.
Board and Brain Games: Today’s senior citizens played games such as Scrabble, checkers, and chess – and often loved puzzles and card games. These kinds of activities can assist in focusing attention and cultivating a positive mentality while providing an enjoyable diversion for caregivers and patients. Just be aware that dementia patients may forget the rules or get confused. Be patient and allow them to “cheat” a bit – remember, the reason for the game is to spend some carefree time together.
Musical Therapies: Music truly has an amazing effect on dementia patients, often improving verbal fluency and reducing feelings of depression, anxiety, and disconnectedness. Patients who can’t seem to communicate verbally can often easily recall the lyrics to their favorite songs, allowing them to experience familiar emotions. Music offers tangible and significant benefits to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, promoting peace, serenity, and an overall sense of well-being and comfort.
Those with dementia can find comfort by engaging in creative activities, but they need your help and encouragement. Finding diverse and different ways to interact with your loved one will help you to continue the relationship even as the disease progresses.
Finding the right memory care center for your loved one with dementia is important – and can feel overwhelming. My Care Finders is a professional service offered FREE OF CHARGE to
