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Importance of Engaging Activities for People with Dementia
If a loved one has developed dementia, finding ways to engage with them would feel difficult, especially when their condition progresses.
You will feel that dementia is a life stealer. Who would not? It erases precious memories and it becomes difficult to build new ones. This condition basically affects one’s cognitive function–thinking, reasoning and remembering.
So, imagine a loved one suffering from this condition. It is heartbreaking indeed. But you have to deal with it and make every moment count by giving all your love. Life goes on, you just have to try building new memories with your loved ones.
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This is why no-fail, fun activities are so important for people with dementia – they will feel connected and successful no matter what happens.
Fun, Stimulating Activities for People with Dementia
Creative activities
1. Playing with sounds
If the music of your senior love or is musically-inclined, re-introduce to them simple songs they could play or sing along with. Playing with simple instruments like maracas or tambourines will help them be simulated with sounds.
2. Knitting and crocheting
Knitting and crocheting are largely based on patterns and repetitive movements. Even if they have serious memory and cognitive deficits, they may still be able to follow through simple patterns.
3. Visual expression
Painting and drawing, no matter how simple, are ways to help them express feelings safely and creatively. Encourage them to use bold and bright colors. Let them play with textures.
Reminiscing activities
4. Making collages
Rather than just going through old photos, you can combine happy memories and creativity by making collages. Let your loved one arrange photos in a scrapbook. Choose the decorations and subjects that are connected to their personal interests.
5. Watching old shows and films
What are the films and TV shows your elder loved one grew up watching? You can find their old favorites at your local library or online, set up movie snacks, and make everyone comfortable in the living room. Viola, you have a movie night special!
6. Looking through history
Try to look for old magazines and books that they enjoyed in their younger years. You can use these to revisit some historical events and news they went through and encountered in their younger years.
Fulfilling activities
7. Folding laundry
No matter how simple a task is, people with dementia find it fulfilling to achieve them. Folding the laundry is a very familiar and instinctive activity that most seniors could do, especially women.
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8. Tinkering with handy tasks
If your aging family member has always been good with tinkering, suggest an activity with visible results. Paint wooden boards, connect some PVC pipes together, or arrange some cords and cables with them while sitting down.
9. Doing a puzzle
Get a puzzle with large, tactile, and colorful pieces. Easy matching activities are great exercise and fail-safe.
Sensory activities
10. Practicing green thumbs
Gardening is a good and peaceful activity that they could do under the sun. It could also elicit familiar smells of flowers, soil, and nature that may bring back positive memories and emotions.
11. Tasting memories
Try making them their favorite recipes from when they were younger. What are the family recipes they always make on special occasions? You can also buy them their favorite delicacies from childhood.
12. Playing with pets
Playing with pets helps them relieve stress and be naturally playful and light-hearted. Pets with soft furs and unique textures could stimulate the senses.
Technology-based activities
13. Travel the world from home
You could use Google Earth to “travel” from home. You can show them the neighborhoods of their relatives, revisit where your older parents got married or the schools they went to.
14. Take photos
Analog or digital, taking pictures is always a fun exercise. You can guide them in taking photos of their interests such as flowers, food, or animals. This will also make you see things from their perspective. Do not forget to take photos together and with family and friends. Build new memories through photos.
15. Connect with family and friends
Thanks to technology, family, and friends who live miles away could remain connected. You can set up online dinner dates with them and let them catch up with one another.
Helping You Help Your Loved Ones
Everyone wants to help their loved ones, especially if they are in a sensitive condition. If you want to support their journey, you may research and read resources on taking care of a loved one with dementia. You can also go the extra mile and reach out to a local senior living advisor to learn more about your options like memory care or home care.
The Best Place 4 Seniors can help you assess your needs and situation and explore care options. Contact us today, and let us help you care for your loved ones!
Recommended Assisted Living Locations:
- Blue Skies of Tri-city – Assisted living
3218 Mira Mesa Ave, Oceanside, CA 92056, United States - Blue Skies of Temecula – Assisted Living
45410 Bayberry Pl, Temecula, CA 92592, United States - Blue Skies of San Marcos – Assisted Living
1119 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States - Blue Skies of Oceanside – Assisted Living
322 Keyport St, Oceanside, CA 92057, United States - Blue Skies of Laguna Niguel – Assisted Living
25437 Via Estudio, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677, United States - Blue Skies of Laguna Hills – Assisted Living
25811 Tree Top Rd, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, United States
