Brain stimulation is vital to a senior’s health, especially if he or she is living with neurological issues that impact brain function and other systems in the body. Keeping your elderly loved one physically and mentally active can be difficult as he or she loses many of his or her skills, but it can be done. Continue reading to find things your parent with Alzheimer’s can enjoy and the benefits of each activity.
Listening to Music
Listening to music can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for seniors with Alzheimer’s, which is why this activity should be at the top of the list. The music memory often goes undamaged even as the disease progresses. Therefore, your loved one is likely to associate specific people, places, events, and objects with particular songs. The happiness your loved one feels when listening to music could also increase his or her social skills and lower the odds of isolation.
If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide Home Care Phoenix. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Organizing Rooms in the House
The activities you try with your loved one should not only stir memories but also lessen anxiety and provide a sense of purpose. Organizing rooms in the house, such as the home office or living room, could boost your loved one’s confidence and make him or her feel appreciated. While organizing papers, rearranging objects, or cleaning, your parent can build self-esteem and have the courage and confidence to take on other simplified tasks.
Reading
Developing Alzheimer’s doesn’t prevent seniors from reading, especially in the earlier stages of the disease. Reading can keep your loved one engaged and mentally stimulated. Choose new literature, as opposed to only familiar books or poems. Learning new things can boost brain functioning and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. When selecting new books for your loved one, consider audio versions, which may be easier to follow.
Cooking
Stirring memories naturally can build emotional bonds between seniors and their loved ones, and cooking can strengthen connections. When cooking dinner or making family recipes, encourage your loved one to help out in the kitchen, but avoid confusing or challenging tasks. Merely mixing ingredients in a bowl is enough to trigger positive memories and enhance mood. Cooking is a stimulating activity that can also reduce irritability and anxiety in older adults with Alzheimer’s.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one work in the kitchen safely. Families looking for top-rated Phoenix at-home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Painting
Arts and crafts are essential for seniors with Alzheimer’s, including hobbies like painting. Encouraging self-expression and fostering emotional connections should be your objectives when selecting activities for your loved one, and having your parent create paintings or color pictures can help you achieve these goals. Your parent can be as creative as he or she wants without the fear of using the wrong color or staying within the lines. Remind your loved one that he or she should do whatever he or she wants with these projects. Finishing the pictures could provide a sense of accomplishment.
For reliable senior home care, Phoenix families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional home care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your loved one’s care needs. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at 602-847-6549.
