Most medical experts now agree that seniors with dementia can delay or minimize some of the worst symptoms of this progressive disorder. While medication and other professional treatments are an important part of a dementia treatment plan, engaging in stimulating activities at home can be very beneficial as well. Challenging yet enjoyable tasks won’t reverse the condition, but they can boost quality of life. Here are a few memory loss support activities that may prove beneficial for seniors living with dementia.
1. Listening to Music
Research suggests listening to music can benefit aging adults with dementia in many different ways. In addition to boosting mood and preventing negative behaviors, it can also trigger old memories, which greatly strengthens the brain. You should also encourage your loved one to dance and move around so his or her body is flooded with dopamine and other “feel-good” chemicals.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. 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 services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Doing Puzzles
When it comes to cognitive health, very few pastimes are as beneficial as doing puzzles. Putting together jigsaw puzzles is one of the best tasks for seniors with dementia, and it can enhance a wide variety of cognitive skills, including short-term memory, visual processing, and reasoning. As the disease progresses, you might want to purchase puzzles made specifically for those with dementia, as they tend to have larger pieces and are much easier to solve.
3. Playing Games
There are quite a few reasons seniors with dementia should try to play games with their friends and family members at least a few times a week. These types of activities are an excellent way to train the brain, and they can enhance working memory and attention span. Giving your loved one the chance to interact with others can be great for him or her as well, and studies show that socialization can delay some of the most common dementia symptoms.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing companion for your loved one. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to
Des Moines Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
4. Making Meals
Even if your loved one didn’t cook in the past, you might still want to encourage him or her to spend some time in the kitchen. Cooking and baking are stimulating activities, and they can keep seniors with dementia sharp and engaged with the world around them.
This pastime could also help if your loved one has become picky about what he or she eats. Your loved one may be more likely to finish meals if he or she helped you cook them.
5. Going through Old Photo Albums
Very few activities are as stimulating as going through old photo albums, and you should try to keep at least a few of the books in your home. To further enhance the experience, the photo albums can be customized so they tell stories. Instead of filling them with random photos from your loved one’s past, you can dedicate each album to a specific event or period of time.
6. Organizing Household Items
As dementia progresses, complex tasks like cooking meals and doing chores can become very difficult. When that time comes, your loved one must transition to simple activities like organizing household items. Organizing and categorizing items can keep your loved one mentally stimulated while providing tactile feedback.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional
dementia care. Des Moines families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (515) 264-2438 today.
