Seniors with dementia should engage in meaningful activities that hold their interest. Many people with dementia have limited attention spans and may be unable to focus on tasks for an extended time. Meaningful activities stir positive emotions and therefore are appropriate for seniors with cognitive deficits who may also exhibit negative behaviours. Here are some meaningful activities for seniors with dementia to participate in.
Scrapbooking
Leisurely sifting through old newspaper articles, photographs, and greeting cards may inspire your senior loved one to take up scrapbooking as a new hobby. Creating a memory book or scrapbook with his or her mementos could bring back cherished memories.
Scrapbooking can also be a way for your loved one to express his or her creative side, and the vibrant colours of the scrapbook pages may stimulate brain activity. Your loved one may also enjoy adding items to the scrapbook as he or she acquires them, providing something to look forward to.
Scrapbooking is a way for aging adults with dementia to focus on an interesting task, which is relaxing and therapeutic. Pasting, writing, and using scissors also promote hand-eye coordination, which may be lacking in people with dementia.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Listening to Favourite Songs
It’s thought that the part of the memory related to music remains relatively intact in those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Your loved one may enjoy listening to his or her favourite songs and might even have the ability to sing along. Music is a form of therapy for many people, and it can quickly calm jangled nerves, relieve depression, and even diminish the perception of pain.
Another added benefit of listening to music is seniors with dementia may feel inspired to dance to the melodies. Dancing is an enjoyable activity that also provides health benefits, such as increased circulation to the vital organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.
Visiting with Old Friends
Spending time with family and friends is another meaningful activity for seniors with dementia. Unless your loved one has severe dementia, he or she may still recognize people and enjoy engaging with them. Because short-term memory is often affected more severely than long-term memory, your loved one may enjoy seeing an old childhood friend or family member with whom he or she shares a special bond. Resurrecting pleasant memories by visiting with familiar people may help your loved one feel special and reduce dementia-related negative behaviours, such as acting out or displaying aggression.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is Home Care Edmonton families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Cooking
Many seniors with dementia still have the manual dexterity to work in the kitchen with supervision. Cooking for their families was a meaningful activity many seniors with dementia cherished in the past. The familiar smells, textures, and tastes of favourite foods may stir up pleasant memories of days gone by and provide a sense of accomplishment. Because people with dementia enjoy being given choices and control over certain situations, they may appreciate the opportunity to choose ingredients and preparation methods.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Edmonton in-home care providers can reach out to InCasa 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. To learn about our premier in-home care options, give us a call at 780-604-9688 today.
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