When your loved one has dementia, everyday activities can become difficult for them. It’s important, however, to keep them stimulated and involved. Keeping seniors with dementia active in hobbies not only gives them a sense of accomplishment but can also help reduce some of the anxiety or irritability that dementia can occur. Here are our top 5 activities to do with your loved ones living with dementia.
Listen to, play, or sing along to music
When listening to songs from your loved ones past ask them what is reminds them of. Discuss the good things associated with that music. Did they play a musical instrument or sing? If they can encourage them to do this. Music is a great way to stimulate memory in an easy way.
Tend to a garden or indoor plants
With spring right around the corner, now is a great time to start tending to gardens or indoor plants, as well as planting new bulbs. Gardening can be a great way for your loved ones to feel needed and nurturing. Talk about their childhood gardens. Flowers for special events. It also gives them something to be excited about as they watch their new plants bloom.
Take a walk
Getting outside to take a walk can be a great way to spend time with your loved ones. Take the opportunity to walk through our courtyards to look at plants, bird watch and talk to one another. Point out what you see and use this to foster conversations.
Look at family videos and photos
Looking at old family videos and photos can be a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones. Take a walk down memory lane. As you go through them, discuss what details they remember by asking questions. Focus on places and what they are doing in the picture if your family member does not remember the people.
Cleaning
As much as we might complain about having to do chores or to clean, these activities provide a sense of accomplishment once they’re done. Have your loved one actively participate in some general house-hold activities such as folding towels. These simple household activities can help your loved ones happily engaged in their life, regardless of the task they are doing.
For more information on Memory Care here at Grace Ponte, get in touch today or request a tour online.
