Seniors living with dementia enjoy participating in activities as much as other adults do. However, appropriate activities must account for their level of cognitive impairment and physical abilities. Participating in fun activities with an elderly loved one living with dementia can enhance his or her quality of life, eliminate boredom, and stimulate the brain. Here’s a quick look at some activities that are perfect for seniors with dementia.
1. Singing
Play some of your loved one’s favorite music and encourage him or her to sing along. Music has a calming effect while stimulating memory. The sound of an old song is bound to spark many different memories. Perhaps your loved one enjoys playing an instrument, which also stimulates the memory and exercises fine motor skills. Play a DVD of a musical and share some memories about your loved one’s life when the movie was popular back in the day.
2. Baking or Cooking
Choose a simple recipe that you and your loved one can create together. Make some dough, roll it out, and bake cookies together. Talk about some of the meals he or she used to enjoy making in the past. The aroma of baking or cooking foods stimulates the senses and is bound to bring back memories. Seniors with dementia often gain a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment by being useful.
Helping your loved one with daily tasks can be challenging, especially when you’re busy planning fun activities for him or her. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior care, Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to helping seniors live longer and healthier lives.
3. Enjoying a Spa Day
Schedule a day at a local salon where the two of you can have your hair and nails done. Seniors with dementia often respond positively to warmth and touch. If your loved one is able, shop for new outfits or enjoy a meal out.
4. Going on Nature Walks
Venture to a local park or nature reserve and enjoy some time in the sun and fresh air. The exercise is good for both you and your loved one. Allow your loved one to stop and enjoy the sounds, smells, and textures in the environment. A trek through nature also lifts mood. Springtime is a great season for picking wildflowers or hunting for mushrooms.
5. Creating Art
The chance to create a personal masterpiece stimulates different regions of the brain. Fine motor skills are awakened along with the brain’s visual and problem-solving centers. Provide craft paper, crayons, watercolors, and other craft supplies and express your creativity together. If there’s an upcoming holiday, make cards with your loved one to celebrate the occasion.
If you’re planning exciting activities for your loved one, you may need assistance with your other day-to-day caregiving duties. The type of home care Phoenix seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
6. Visiting the Zoo
Young and old alike enjoy spending time at the zoo watching the antics of exotic animals. Walking from one exhibit to another provides exercise. There are often opportunities to feed and interact with various animals. Your loved one may enjoy watching young children having a good time because it brings back memories of raising a family.
7. Lawn Bowling
Lawn bowling can be fun for seniors and grandkids alike. Simply set up an inexpensive bowling set on the lawn or patio and allow everyone to have a turn challenging their skills. The game encourages upper body movement while providing much-needed social interaction.
Professional caregivers can provide mental stimulation for seniors with dementia and help them remain safe while aging in the comfort of home. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional elder care. Phoenix families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To create a customized care plan, call us today.