Caring for someone with any form of dementia is hard. It is especially difficult when you are the caretaker for a loved one. You see them begin to lose memories and mental acuity. Struggling with the disease makes most patients angry, agitated, and stressed. You may not be able to completely relieve the anxiety a loved one is feeling, but you could try some activities that have been shown to provide calming sensory therapy for dementia patients.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
Finger painting is a good way to get patients in the mood to express themselves. It might help with dexterity as well. Finger paints come in packages of several colors and are not expensive. You can even make your own with some gelatin, food coloring, cornstarch, and water. You'll need some butcher paper, which comes on rolls, and is easy to find.
Coin sorting is an activity that an older one might like. This works especially well if you, or other family members, routinely dump loose change into a jar and let it collect. Not only will it give the person something engaging to do, if you approach it correctly it will also give her a sense of purpose. You can place some glass bowls around the coin jar and let the loved one sort the change into the corresponding bowls.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
There are plenty of healthy adults who love popping bubble wrap. It often fascinates those with dementia as well. This is an activity the patient can do sitting in front of the television to occupy her hands. Bubble wrap is not expensive. You will find the rolls at big box and office supply stores.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
Finger painting is a good way to get patients in the mood to express themselves. It might help with dexterity as well. Finger paints come in packages of several colors and are not expensive. You can even make your own with some gelatin, food coloring, cornstarch, and water. You'll need some butcher paper, which comes on rolls, and is easy to find.
Coin sorting is an activity that an older one might like. This works especially well if you, or other family members, routinely dump loose change into a jar and let it collect. Not only will it give the person something engaging to do, if you approach it correctly it will also give her a sense of purpose. You can place some glass bowls around the coin jar and let the loved one sort the change into the corresponding bowls.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
There are plenty of healthy adults who love popping bubble wrap. It often fascinates those with dementia as well. This is an activity the patient can do sitting in front of the television to occupy her hands. Bubble wrap is not expensive. You will find the rolls at big box and office supply stores.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
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