Living an unengaged life is bad for seniors with dementia because it increases the risk of depression, among other health issues. You need to find purposeful ways to keep your senior loved one active and socially engaged. Below you’ll find meaningful activities for a loved one with dementia.
1. Baking
Getting your loved one into the kitchen and baking favorite recipes can reduce agitation, relax the mind, and encourage conversations. As your loved one cooks, the techniques and family recipes could provide a creative outlet and engage his or her senses. Your loved one should bake foods that have familiar smells and taste, which can stir positive memories.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Portland seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Align Home Care.
2. Dancing
Any type of physical activity is beneficial for older adults with dementia because it reduces tension in the brain and body, enhancing overall wellbeing. Your loved one can sign up for senior-friendly dance classes in the community, allowing him or her to socialize and work on communication skills.
3. Singing
Singing along to music is a meaningful activity that connects seniors to others and enhances their mood. Music can evoke memories and emotions in seniors with dementia even in the later stages of the condition, because engaging with music is one of the last remaining abilities they have, which makes it the best way to go beyond the disorder to reach your loved one, offering another way to communicate.
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 Align Home Care, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Doing Arts & Crafts
Seniors with dementia may have difficulty working out their problems verbally, increasing frustration and negatively affecting their mental health. However, arts and crafts can cater to all levels of cognition and give older adults the ability to express themselves freely. Having another avenue to explore their emotions can also strengthen their relationships, leading to stronger social networks.
5. Cycling
The activities your parent engages in shouldn’t only be purposeful. They need to help with mobility and brain function, which are two problems older adults with dementia experience as the condition progresses. You can go cycling as a family or encourage your loved one to go with friends. Remaining physically active can increase energy levels, lead to better sleeping habits, and alleviate feelings of aggression.
6. Volunteering
In addition to cognitive benefits, meaningful activities like volunteering can boost quality of life and confidence levels. Aging adults with dementia can spend time having positive conversations and completing tasks that give them a sense of purpose. Volunteering can also keep your loved one busy and enhance his or her sleep quality at night.
7. Taking Trips to the Zoo
The fresh air and interactions with people and animals at the zoo can stimulate many senses, including sight, smell, and touch. Spending the day at the zoo can lower anxiety levels and stave off depression, which are two symptoms associated with dementia. A fun trip to the zoo could significantly decrease challenging behaviors such as agitation, anger, and shadowing.
Highly trained caregivers with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Portland at-home care providers can reach out to Align 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 high-quality in-home dementia care services, give us a call at (207) 835-3490 today.