A dementia diagnosis is never easy news for patients to hear, nor their families. Helplessly watching a loved one slowly deteriorate is extremely difficult. Although no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia has been discovered, families can alleviate some of the symptoms of these ugly diseases by keeping seniors engaged in stimulating activities. According to experts, certain activities can provide a multitude of benefits for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Below are a few suggested activities:
- Baking or cooking simple recipes together
- Cleaning the house or place where a loved one is residing
- Creating simple crafts, like knitting together
- Reading books a loved one used to enjoy
- Playing familiar music or singing together
- Tending a garden or visiting a botanical garden
- Watching family videos
- Putting together a puzzle
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends you keep in mind the following when choosing an activity:
- Stick with activities that a person has always enjoyed and adjust, as needed, to match their current abilities.
- Take note of what they currently enjoy. Does something, in particular, make them seem happy, anxious, distracted, or irritable?
- Be aware of physical limitations.
- Focus on the activities, not winning or losing.
- Consider the time of day certain activities are carried out; you could get more engagement during particular parts of the day.
- Adjust activities to disease progression, like introducing more repetitive tasks as the disease develops.
Looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding. That’s why we’re here to help. At The Suites At Algiers Point, our community is dedicated to providing a secure, maintenance-free lifestyle in one of New Orleans’s oldest neighborhoods. Our expertise and vision are at the forefront of our industry and we are devoted to redefining and revolutionizing the standard of Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Contact us today to schedule a tour.