The Calming Power of Touch

Physical contact is a fundamental human need, and for dementia patients, it can be incredibly reassuring. Gentle nonthreatening touch can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of security. It anchors them in the present moment when they might feel lost or confused.

Hand massages – Gently massaging your loved one’s hands with a pleasant-smelling lotion can be very calming. The combination of touch and a familiar scent can be a comforting ritual.

Meaningful objects – Provide objects with various textures to hold and feel. A soft blanket, a smooth stone, a textured ball, or a piece of faux fur can offer tactile stimulation and focus.

Hugs and hand-holding – If your loved one is comfortable with it, a warm hug or simply holding his or her hand can convey care and affection, reducing feelings of isolation.

The cognitive challenges that accompany dementia often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Edmonton live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from InCasa Home Care Services to enhance his or her quality of life.

Evoking Memories through Smell

The sense of smell is strongly linked to memory, and certain aromas can transport a person back to a cherished time or place. Introducing familiar scents can trigger positive emotions and reminiscences, providing a simple way to engage with your loved one and start a conversation.

Favourite foods – The scent of baking bread, brewing coffee, or a favourite meal cooking can stimulate appetite and evoke comforting memories of home and family.

Nature scents – Aromas like freshly cut grass, rain, or specific flowers such as roses or lavender can have a calming effect. You can use essential oil diffusers or bring actual flowers into your loved one’s room.

Personal scents – The smell of familiar perfume, aftershave, or soap can remind seniors of themselves or loved ones, reinforcing their identities and personal histories.

Soothing with Familiar Sounds

Sound can significantly influence mood and agitation levels in dementia patients. While loud, unexpected noises can be distressing, familiar and gentle sounds can create a peaceful and engaging atmosphere. The key is to choose sounds that are meaningful to your loved one.

Favourite music – Playing music from their youth can be one of the most effective ways to connect with dementia patients. It often encourages singing, dancing, and recalling happy memories. Create a personalized playlist of your loved one’s favourite artists or genres.

Nature sounds – Recordings of gentle rain, birds singing, or ocean waves can mask jarring background noises and promote relaxation.

Personal recordings – The sound of a loved one’s voice can be incredibly comforting. Consider recording family members reading a favourite book, sharing stories, or simply leaving a reassuring message.

Symptoms such as agitation, confusion, anger, and frustration are common in elderly people with dementia. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Edmonton senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. InCasa Home Care Services is here to help.

Integrating Sensory Activities

Combining different sensory experiences can create a rich and engaging activity. The goal is to stimulate without overwhelming, so it’s important to pay close attention to your loved one’s reactions and adjust accordingly.

Gardening – The feeling of soil, the scent of flowers, and the sounds of nature make gardening a wonderful multisensory activity.

Baking together – Kneading dough, smelling the ingredients, and hearing the mixer can be a comforting and collaborative experience.

Creating a memory box – Fill a box with items that are significant to your loved one, such as old photographs, a favourite scarf, a seashell from a past vacation, or a small bottle of a familiar scent.

Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia 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. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call InCasa Home Care Services today.