fbpx

What are the useful activities with people with dementia? 

Taking care of the people who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s is difficult. The tough task is to keep them occupied as they can not do normal activities. The article introduces some fun and useful practices you can provide them that are useful for their health condition.

The beneficial practices for people with dementia

The following activities and practices can be useful for the seniors who suffer from dementia. Remember that not all of them are suitable for your parents or grandparents so before picking one, consult with an expert or your physician who knows your loved ones’ condition very well.

Experimenting with different paint swatches

Free paint swatches in a wide range of colors, styles, sizes, and textures are available at your local hardware store. These samples can be used in a variety of ways depending on the dementia progression of your loved one or patient.

Making use of their hands to manipulate the samples, stacking the samples, and matching colors to build color palettes are all examples of this activity.

 

Taking a Look inside a Jewelry Box

Many people have wonderful memories of digging through a family member’s jewelry box as a child and finding something special. Dementia patients frequently like looking through jewelry boxes. While some people would merely go through the box’s contents, others will take pleasure in organizing it.

Remember that some dementia patients may find this task to be too much for them to handle. When planning this task, take your elderly loved one’s or patient’s abilities into consideration.

 

Organizing Silverware

Researchers are still discovering the advantages of Montessori-based approaches for dementia patients. Some elderly people benefit from staying connected to their surroundings by working with common household items. Sorting and reorganizing the silverware drawer are only two examples of cutlery-related activities. Forks and spoons can be cleaned and polished as well. The difficulty of the task will increase as the patient’s sickness worsens.

 

Changing PVC Pipe Fittings

There are numerous ways to work with PVC pipe fittings. Your loved one or patient may be able to take the items in and out of the bag, screw the pieces together, or arrange the fittings according to similarity. Dementia-afflicted seniors frequently enjoy this type of activity.

 

Pilling up Tupperware

Tupperware offers a similar experience with an age-appropriate twist since bricks may appear to be children’s toys. People with dementia will be much more engaged if they have access to food storage containers. Seniors with more mental acuity can remove lids, sort, and arrange tupperware containers. The containers may be held and felt by elders with advanced dementia.

If you don’t already have a set of plastic kitchen storage containers, a dollar store is a good place to look. Even fancier, look for objects that are vividly colored. You’re pressed for time. Instead, reach for a set of stackable measuring cups in the cabinet and do your research there.

 

Cutting and Tearing Coupons

Even if your elderly dear has never clipped a coupon before, she might still get a lot of satisfaction out of couponing. People with dementia will benefit from this activity both in terms of keeping their thoughts engaged and socializing. Keep in mind that the result isn’t important. It is the act of doing something consciously rather than the result that matters most to those suffering from dementia.

It’s a lost skill to shine shoes these days. Fortunately, shoe-shine boxes may be purchased for under ten dollars, or you can look in the back of your own wardrobe first.

Dementia patients who polish and buff their own shoes report greater feelings of well-being as a result. The task has a clear goal and is doable. Shining shoes or polishing other objects might bring back pleasant feelings or evoke memories for certain people.

This is a piece of advice for your health: To keep seniors safe and reduce cleanup, go for clear colors made with non-toxic chemicals.

 

Searching Pocketbooks

For elders with dementia, pocketbooks can be a veritable gold mine. Purses are a great way to pass the time when you’re bored because of all the different textures, zippers, snaps, and straps you can find on them. Suppose you want to give them something extra, place jewelry, spare keys, photographs, novels, or even spare coins in them. Speculate on the kinds of things your elderly loved one would like finding in a handbag.

A word of caution: Handbags might cause a strong desire to travel in some people with dementia. Don’t carry your purse on your shoulder to prevent being followed.

 

Looking at the Tools in the Toolbox

Examining toolboxes brings comfort and excitement to many senior citizens. It’s not just males who enjoy fiddling with the contents of toolboxes; women do as well.

 

Help with the works around the house

Remember that your loved one with dementia should not attempt to prepare a complete dinner or clean the entire house. However, they are still capable of assisting with the housekeeping tasks.

Ask them to help you fold laundry, wash dishes, sort items, or take care of other small jobs around the house. These chores will give them a sense of purpose while also stimulating their brains.

 

Playing with puzzles and board games

Even if your loved one can’t play as well as they used to, they may still enjoy the challenge of a game like a bridge or another more difficult one. A simple game of “Go Fish” or another amusing game aimed at a younger audience would be more their style.

You can even let them do a jigsaw puzzle or a word search when you’re not around to supervise them.

 

Keep them busy with a sensory box

Assemble a diverse collection of objects in a large cardboard box, paying particular attention to the distinct shapes and textures. It’s okay to include a variety of textures and materials, such as squishy balls, Matchbox cars, thick twine, and anything else they might enjoy. You can even include some coloring pages (don’t forget the crayons or colored pencils).

 

Exercising is beneficial for them

Anyone, regardless of age, should keep moving as much as possible. Take a stroll with your loved ones, do some moderate stretching with them, or sign them up for a movement class like tai chi.

 

Using Technology is beneficial

In today’s digital age, there are various games and apps tailored specifically for seniors and people with memory loss.

Encourage them to use modern technology to locate and watch/look at old recordings, TV shows, movies, and photos to relive happy experiences. If they have trouble reading books, suggest some audiobooks or podcasts they might like.

Create a Skype or other video chat account for them to communicate with other family members via technology.

 

Go to social events

More localities are hosting programs for seniors with memory loss and their caretakers at local recreation or community centers. These facilities give individuals a place to socialize, play games with others, or do other things like sit and speak with other people.

 

Why Is It Critical to Maintain Dementia Patients Involved in Daily Activities?

A regular regimen that includes healthful activities is beneficial for elders of all ages, but it is especially critical for dementia sufferers. As dementia progresses, the person’s ability to focus and learn new things becomes more challenging. Having a planned schedule in place from the start provides children with the structure that they recognize. Another advantage of maintaining a schedule that includes exciting activities for a loved one with dementia is:

  • Enhances cognitive function. Keeping occupied keeps the mind active and ready to take on new challenges. As a result, it is critical for the patient to be physically and intellectually engaged to the greatest extent possible. Trying to stay active with loved ones and friends also aids in the maintenance of social relationships by challenging the individual to recollect memories and exchange thoughts.
  • Provides a focal point. Daily activities can provide something for a person with dementia to focus on and anticipate. Friends and relatives may give a great deal of structure by organizing activities that allow them to spend quality time with their loved ones. A regular routine that adds consistency to the life of a person living with dementia is an excellent strategy to minimize stress.
  • Creates a sense of productivity. Many people living with senior dementia believe they are a burden to their friends and relatives. Everyday activities can assist them in feeling more productive and accomplished, no matter how modest, every day. Remember to restrict or remove activities that your family member or loved one finds too difficult to avoid irritation. It is always preferable to cultivate a pleasant energy atmosphere.

 

Taking care of dementia patients in Las Vegas

Taking care of the seniors who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s is difficult. The article introduced some practices to help you keep them occupied, pass time, and keep the mind more active.

Taking good care of your loved ones often requires knowledge and experience you might lack. Being busy with work and other tasks makes things worse. But no worries, Health and Care Professional Network has provided the best in-home care services to Las Vegas residents for +15 years. Your loved ones will stay in their place of residence that will help their well being and feel comfortable.

Give us a call at (702) 871-9917 to receive caring services for your seniors now.

 

FAQs

Is it hard to love someone suffering from dementia?

It could be a bit hard but not if you know what to do and how to take care of them.

Who can help me living with dementia patients?

Health care providers can help you in your palace of residence.

Is there a guide to help me with what to do with a dementia patient?

The blog section holds useful articles you can use.

 Can a dementia patient be cured?

There is no cure for it at the moment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *