Senior Health | February 15, 2022
Help Seniors with Dementia Stay Engaged | In the early stages of dementia, many seniors show less interest in what was once their favourite activities, and that can be hard on the family and loved ones who want to help them. Routine activity, as long as it is carefully planned, can enrich the lives of those affected by dementia and support them in many ways by helping them stay focused and not wander; easing agitation; maintaining proper blood pressure, blood flow, blood sugar, and weight; keeping their minds sharp; potentially slowing down the decline of dementia; warding off depression; and building confidence as they begin to lose some of their abilities. Activities for people with dementia do not have to be strenuous to be beneficial, and senior care experts offer numerous recommendations when planning activities.
Routine activity, as long as it is carefully planned, can enrich the lives of those affected by dementia and support them in many ways by helping them stay focused and not wander; easing agitation; maintaining proper blood pressure, blood flow, blood sugar, and weight; keeping their minds sharp; potentially slowing down the decline of dementia; warding off depression; and building confidence as they begin to lose some of their abilities. Because of these benefits, it is important to provide ongoing opportunities for these seniors to remain engaged.
Activities for seniors with dementia do not have to be strenuous to be beneficial, and senior care experts offer these recommendations when planning activities:
Some activities that prove beneficial for seniors and help keep them engaged with those around them include the following:
Finally, remember to keep it fun. Make sure the activities are in line with the person’s interests and adjust them to his or her current ability level to avoid frustration. Plan outdoor activities whenever possible, and be sure to vary activities to include mental and physical stimulation, as well as those that stimulate sight, smell, hearing, and touch. It is also important to maintain a sense of structure even though the activities may be varied. Following these guidelines can offer a stimulating, enjoyable holiday for the person affected by dementia and his or her loved ones.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs.
Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Enhancing daily life: activities. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-activities.asp
Aveyard-Barry, Michelle. (n.d.). Valentine Crafts for Alzheimer’s Patients. In eHow. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_6152788_valentine-crafts-alzheimer_s-patients.html
Bragg, Susan. (2010, January 31). Valentine’s Day Activities for Those Suffering from Dementia. In Zimbio Alzheimer’s Reading Room. Retrieved from http://www.zimbio.com/Alzheimer’s+Reading+Room/articles/wWDxUrMqP2u/Valentine+Day+Activities+Those+Suffering+Dementia
Richmond, Mary. (n.d.). Activities for Alzheimer’s Patients. In eHow. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/way_5349914_activities-alzheimers-patients.html
Salazar, Gina, AD. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s/Dementia Activities: Fun stuff to do with Alzheimers/Dementia Residents. In The Activity Director’s Office. Retrieved January 9, 2014 from http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com/Gina_ActivityIdeasThatWork_Alzheimers.html.
Shadowbox Press Blog (2013, January 16). 10 Valentine’s Day Activities for Alzheimer’s Patients. Retrieved from http://www.shadowboxpress.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/10-valentines-day-activities-for-alzheimers-patients-3/
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