Holidays throughout the year are a great time to enjoy quality family time. But what about the rest of the year? For families of someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, returning to daily life while still keeping the loved one engaged can be difficult. There are many productive and interesting things to do with someone who has Alzheimer’s.
Could your parent benefit from Alzheimer’s care services? Call us today at 325.313.7931 for more information about things to do with someone who has Alzheimer’s.
What Is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects senior adults. It is characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive functions, including memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform simple tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults, accounting for the majority of dementia cases.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still unclear, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. The disease leads to the formation of abnormal protein structures known as plaques and tangles in the brain, leading to the death of nerve cells and loss of brain tissue.
Activities for Alzheimer’s Patients
It is important to keep a daily routine for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This routine can help provide a sense of structure and stability for them. While it is important to be flexible, try to stick to the same general schedule each day.
Make sure to include activities that your loved one enjoys and that are stimulating for them. This can then help to reduce boredom and agitation. Activities can include things like music, art, favorite television shows, or even just spending time outdoors.
It is also important to provide opportunities for socialization. This can be done through group activities, scheduled outings, or even just spending time with friends and family. Isolation is a frequent problem for seniors, regardless of their health. Anything you can do is increase their socialization is a good thing.
With a little planning, you can help make each day a little bit easier for your loved one with dementia. By providing structure, stimulation, and socialization, you can help them to feel more engaged and active.
More Things to do With Someone Who has Alzheimer’s
Wondering about activities to do with your parent who has Alzheimer’s or dementia? Here are things you can do at virtually any time of the year with a loved one who suffers from memory loss:
- Clip coupons from the newspaper
- Make a basket of socks
- String cheerios on twine to hang outside for birds
- Make a family tree poster using old family photos
- Finish well-known phrases, Bible verses, or songs
- Try different hand lotions with pleasant scents
- Cut up used paper to use for scratch craft paper
- Play Pictionary
- Polish silverware
- Read the daily paper aloud
- Have afternoon tea
- Read the daily paper aloud
- Have afternoon tea
- Organize a spice cupboard
Alzheimer’s patients can often become agitated and frustrated. Here are some activities that can help soothe and calm them.
- Listen to calming music
- Watch soothing videos or familiar TV shows
- Look at old family photos together
- Talk about shared memories
- Do some slow, deep breathing exercises together
- Work on a simple craft or project together
- Fidget with a stress ball or putty
- Play a simple game fondly remembered from childhood, such as tic-tac-toe
Both patients and caregivers can benefit from these activities. Doing things together can create shared memories and help everyone feel more connected. It can also give the caregiver a much-needed break. These activities can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote a sense of well-being for both the patient and the caregiver.
These tasks may seem trivial or menial. However, for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, having even a simple purpose can change the trajectory of an entire day. These and other activities can help the mind focus and limit frustrating distractions. Ultimately, these tasks remind them that they’re important and can still contribute to life.
Call Baptist Retirement Community Today
There are many things to do with someone who has Alzheimer’s. The above tips will go a long way in helping you to help your parent. However, there are certainly other things you can do. For other tips and suggestions about things to do with Alzheimer’s patients, check out a memory caregiver support group offered at Baptist Retirement Community.
Call us today at 325.313.7931 or reach out online for more information about making your loved one’s daily life more meaningful and enjoyable.