How Are Fidget Toys Beneficial for Aging Adults with Alzheimer’s?
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
If you’re caring for an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s, most of your day is likely devoted to keeping him or her as safe, comfortable, and independent as possible. It can be difficult to achieve such goals, especially as the disease’s symptoms progress, but fidget toys have been shown to be helpful for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Aging adults with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from receiving professional Alzheimer’s care. Des Moinesseniors need regular mental stimulation when managing memory-related conditions, and a reliable in-home caregiver who has extensive training in Alzheimer’s care can be a great asset.Here’s some information on fidget toys and how you can select the right one for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
What Are Fidget Toys?
Fidget toys are items seniors can hold in their hands to keep them engaged so they can focus on what’s going on around them. While fidget toys are commonly used by children who have difficulty learning, more geriatricians are seeing their benefits for older adults living with cognitive conditions. Fidget toys come in many shapes and forms and can provide distractions that reduce restlessness or destructive behavior. Many family caregivers have found fidget blankets are extremely helpful. These are small blankets that have pockets, zippers, and ties that keep a senior’s hands busy. The blanket itself can also provide comfort and a sense of security. Other fidget toys include rubber bands and stress balls. Items of various colors and textures can relieve anxiety and give seniors a safe outlet for restless feelings. 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 Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Selecting the Right Fidget Toy
No two seniors with Alzheimer’s are alike, and symptoms will differ from one person to another, so a fidget toy another caregiver has recommended might not work for your loved one. It’s important to try various items and see what your loved one responds to. You may also have to coach your loved one on how to use the item. For instance, your parent’s first reaction to holding a ball may be to throw it as opposed to gently squeezing it during conversation. It’s also a great idea to discuss fidget toys with your loved one’s doctor or physical/occupational therapist to get other ideas for finding the right toy. If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type ofin-home care. Des Moinesfamilies can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (515) 264-2438 today.
