One of the most difficult things to go through is to watch a relative suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. While it may feel as if you are powerless as you watch this dreadful disease rob your loved one of so much, there are still things that you can do to keep them engaged and active. Here are five activities that you can do with loved ones who are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Break Out the Board Games
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s usually respond well to board games. These games deliver both mental and social stimulation, helping them to make the most out of life. In addition, games that are mentally stimulating can help to slow down the speed of the deterioration of their mental faculties.
Good ideas include classic board games, dominoes, or card games. You may find that you need to simplify the rules for them to understand how to play. You also may see more success by choosing games that are visually stimulating with lots of color and graphics. Using board games that are familiar to your loved one will yield even better results.
Listen to Music
Listening to music is a powerful memory trigger, making it a good choice when looking for activities that you can enjoy with those who are dealing with the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s. Listening to music from their past that they find familiar can help to promote memory recollection.
You can take this one step further by creating playlists of their favorite songs or artists. Or consider showing them music videos of their favorite artist playing live. You never know what type of forgotten memory this powerful trigger may tap into. Do not shy away from encouraging them to get up and dance and truly feel the music.
Get Moving
As with any health condition, exercise can be a powerful tool in your arsenal of ways to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Daily exercise provides an instant boost to the mood. Being intentional about getting your loved one moving each day can also help them to support healthy sleeping habits.
It is important to choose activities that are suited to their level of physical fitness. Appropriate ideas include walks, yoga, or water aerobics. You may also find exercise classes targeted at seniors living with dementia. If you need ideas, the professionals at an enhanced assisted living Westchester NY facility will be able to provide you with numerous ways to incorporate these activities into your time with your loved one.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Regardless of your current mental state, there is always something so soothing about being outside. Not only does being outside usually promote physical activity, but it is also healing being out in the great outdoors.
If your loved one is up to it physically, consider taking a nature walk or an easy hike. Visiting a botanical garden is also an activity that is generally appropriate for this group. Your senior may also delight in interacting with nature by feeding the ducks at a local pond. The goal is to get them out in the fresh air and the sunshine no matter how you make it happen.
Make Them Feel Useful
Sometimes it may be the simple feeling of being useful that may bring a person suffering from Alzheimer’s great joy. This is especially true if they are in the early stages of the progression of the disease.
You can be creative when finding tasks that the patient can help you with. However, it is important that you choose tasks that are easy for them to finish. You do not want to make the situation worse by giving them a job that is too challenging. After they finish helping you, be sure to heap praise on them for a job well done. This satisfaction will make them feel as if they are still a contributing member of the family, bringing them happiness.
These five activities are a great start when you are looking to connect with your loved one with Alzheimer’s in meaningful ways. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that they feel loved and cared for.
