According to a report by Columbia University, one in ten adults over 65 has some form of dementia.1 More than 35% of seniors over 90 struggle with this disorder. Seniors with a neurological condition will need to develop dementia patient mental stimulation techniques to reduce the effects of this progressive illness. While there is no cure for dementia, there are several medicinal and therapeutic programs available that can ease dementia symptoms and improve memory retention.
Baptist Retirement Community is a full-service senior living community located in San Angelo, TX. It offers Texans a safe and comfortable home with plenty of activities for residents with dementia. We have two state-of-the-art facilities set up to care for seniors living with dementia, no matter how severe their symptoms are. Our faith-based care programs are tailored to the individual and include medication management, therapeutic services, and private and semi-private rooms with 24/7 monitoring from professional care providers. To discover all of the benefits of our dementia care program, fill out our online assessment tool or call 325.313.7931 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.
Dementia Patient’s Mental Stimulation
The best kinds of mental stimulation for dementia patients involve simple activities that focus on the five senses; sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Music is very beneficial in helping dementia patients recall memories and to be more present. So can holding or touching everyday objects or tools that they frequently used in the past.
As dementia symptoms worsen, it can affect their sense of taste and smell. Cooking a favorite meal with your parents can be very beneficial and help them with remembering certain memories and activities. Other types of activities you can do at home that are perfect for dementia patients’ mental stimulation include:
- Gardening
- Arts and crafts
- Listening to music
- Closet or clothing drawer organization
- Creating art collages using photos, colorful objects, leaves, sea shells, or other material
- Creating a photo book of old photos
There are also several mentally stimulating games you can play with them, such as jigsaw puzzles, chess, and Sudoku. At Baptist Retirement Community, our dementia treatment programs can give your parents the care and attention they need to support their dementia symptoms. Our residents live in a secure community with a full-time staff assisting them with all of their needs while spending their days socializing with other seniors.
Beneficial Activities for Dementia Patients
There are plenty of dementia patient mental activities that you can do with your parents that can help with their memory retention. These activities provide an excellent opportunity to bond with your parents and learn something new about their past lives. Here are just some of the activities for dementia patients that you can do at home.
Group Activities
Being social is very important for seniors with dementia. Socializing is very mentally stimulating, especially when you throw in activities such as painting and drawing, book clubs, and learning how to play an instrument.
Games and Puzzles
Another way to stimulate the mind is with board games and puzzles. Old games such as Scrabble, Life, Monopoly, or Dominoes are fun and can help bring back memories from their past. You can find classic games online if you can’t find the original board game.
Physical Activities
Getting enough exercise every day is important for a healthy mind. Physical activities, such as water aerobics, tai chi, yoga, or walking, can increase blood flow and mental activity.
Reminiscing
Talking with your parents about their early life is another excellent activity that can benefit them. This is an excellent opportunity for grandchildren to learn more about where they came from and what life was like in the past. Grab an old photo album and reminisce about the day they took the photos.
Join Baptist Retirement Community for Our Comprehensive Dementia Care Program
Baptist Retirement Community is a part of the Buckner Retirement group with six locations in the great state of Texas. Our San Angelo facility’s memory care services provide plenty of dementia patient mental activities in a secure residence with a full-time staff of professional RNs, therapists, and support staff. Our programs include group activities and social events, religious services, healthy meal plans, assistance with daily living activities, and much more.
For more information about our dementia treatment programs, call Baptist Retirement Community at 325.313.7931 today to speak with one of our caring team members.