Keeping dementia patients active in daily routines and intellectually difficult occupations is good for both their bodies and minds and it can even slow the disease's progression in some situations. Exercise may also contribute to dementia sleep problems.
If you're looking after seniors in elderly folk homes or keeping an eye on your aged parents who have dementia at home, here are a few activities for dementia care to consider.
Remember that activities aren't only "planned" activities. It's also critical to recognize that activities aren't always pre-planned. Life skills, or participation in daily living activities, are examples of good dementia care activities.
Choose just the right activities— not too easy, not too difficult. A person may feel annoyed or bored if an activity is too simplistic or juvenile (such as coloring books for youngsters). It will annoy and turn her off if it asks her to memorize sequences or is generally above her cognitive ability.
Exercise and physical activity have numerous advantages, including enhanced cardiovascular fitness and physical strength. Exercise improves body posture, which reduces the risk of falling. It boosts memory and mood, promotes better sleep, keeps motor skills in check, and lowers irritation.
To keep things interesting:
Sensory hobbies such as arts & crafts, baking, and pottery might help you relax. Simple touch-based activities that engage their hands to calm them and provide them with a nice feeling.
People with dementia benefit from creative expression because it gives them a feeling of purpose and fosters social connection. Individualize these exercises by taking into account the requirements and interests of the participants.
Everyone benefits from a change of scenery. A picnic in the park, a trip to the museum or an animal farm, fishing, and going to the movies provide enjoyment and delight and a sense of identity.
Everyone benefits from a change of scenery. A picnic in the park, a trip to the museum or an animal farm, fishing, and going to the movies provide enjoyment and delight and a sense of identity.
Make a memory bag for yourself. Place items in the bag or box that remind them of their late teens/the early twenties. Scents are intimately linked to memory. Thus scented items are ideal for this. Include Christmas scents like gingerbread, pine, and peppermint in your soap, perfumes, and aftershave
Treasuring your loved ones who have dementia is just as important as taking care of them. There are multiple Activities for dementia in care homes or your home you can start incorporating into your patient care plan and routine. If you're curious about how else to take care of dementia patients, read through our resources at Senior Strong today.
