When you have a loved one who is going through Alzheimer’s, it can be challenging finding the right activities for them. All of us have the need to feel a sense of purpose and achievement, and this does not change just because of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In fact, your loved one may be going through some distressing symptoms that make the need for emotional fulfillment and mental stimulation that much more important.
In this article, we share with you some great activities for dementia patients to take part in.
Helping with Chores
Of course, you should not expect your loved one with Alzheimer’s to take charge of household chores. However, what they should be able to do is help you out. The main purpose of this is not necessarily to provide you with any practical assistance, but to give them something meaningful to occupy their time with.
Some older adults may derive their sense of purpose from being able to help others, and you can do just that by asking your loved one to help you sort through laundry or fold towels.
Get Out There
Being cooped up at home all day is no good for anyone. When you have warm weather, consider taking your loved one for a walk or simply spending some time in the garden. They can help you to pick some flowers or do some planting.
Alternatively, you may want to go to a neighbor’s house for socialization. This will also help to ensure that your loved one can get in some physical exercise.
Take A Trip Down Memory Lane
What did your loved one use to enjoy doing? Putting on some music from their youth or that they used to love can help your loved one to relax and reminisce. You may also wish to get out some old photo albums and just sit down and look through them together. Reading out loud can also help older adults with Alzheimer’s to relax.
Make Handcrafts
Looking for something simple that your loved one can do with their hands? Why not consider making some handcrafts together? Some ideas include making necklaces and bracelets for the grandchildren or decorating photo frames. They can even display their work in their senior living apartment at their memory care community!
If a special occasion is coming up, such as Easter or Christmas, they can help to make ornaments or paint Easter eggs. The sense of achievement that can be derived from simple and failure-free activities can be incredibly important to your loved one’s self-esteem.
Put Together A Memory Box
Was your loved one a carpenter, a seamstress, or a teacher before they retired? Depending on their specific interests, you can help them to create a memory box that will speak to them. This can contain items that they will find familiar and reassuring, such as woodworking tools, buttons, spools of thread, stickers and more!
