Activities for Dementia Decrease Caregiver Stress
From memory games to outdoor activities, learn how to maintain self-worth, prevent depression, and slow the progression of the disease.
Special activities for people with dementia are important at all stages of dementia. These activities vary a lot. This depends on the severity of the condition, physical ability and age of the patient.
The activities need to achieve things such as:
- Keeping the person with dementia to remain happy and positive. This is essential in staving off depression
- Maintaining a level of self-worth. Those who are in the early or middle stages you want to help improve their sense of wellbeing
- Maintaining some level of physical and mental conditioning. For some this may even slow the progression of the disease.
The types of activities for people with dementia depend a great deal on the stage of dementia. It also will depend on the type of dementia. The truth is, people coping with this illness can still enjoy a range of activities. Dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease tend to rob sufferers of their memory. Memory games are very important in the early stages of the disease.
Activities for dementia in the Early Stages
In the early stages of dementia, many people can still follow instructions clearly. It is a good idea to encourage games that call for remembering things and talking. Memory games are especially important at the early stage of the disease.
Other good ideas include:
- Puzzles and card games, especially those that help to sharpen memory
- Simple crafts, particularly those the patient might have enjoyed previously
- Basic household tasks help to keep the patient active. Allow them to continue to feel useful and independent
- Listening to their favorite music not only helps memory, it is also a good way to relax
- Outdoor activities like gardening or light yard work
In the early stage of the disease, depression following a diagnosis is common. The newly diagnosed person may not want to do anything. Getting them interested in something they like is especially important at this stage.
Journaling is a popular and useful activity. It helps the early stage sufferer to deal with the feelings and emotions they are going through.
Incorporate movement, as physical abilities decline. This is important that activities for people with dementia include:
- Dancing
- Taking walks
- Assisting with cleaning, like sweeping
- Gardening
- and talking are especially beneficial.
If the person is able, simple activities such as cleaning a pair of shoes or other basic tasks should be encouraged.
Activities for dementia in the Late Stage
The progressions of the disease means over time, the patient will have trouble remembering familiar faces, events and tasks.
There may be success at performing the most often repeated tasks, but this is not true for every patient. This does not mean that these tasks should be put aside. After all., your family member may still derive some enjoyment from doing them.
Any activities for people with dementia should excite the patient. The caregiver must avoid anything that may lead to frustration. More guidance may be necessary at this stage as the person tries to cope and get things done. Some good options in these cases are:
- Watching movies: This is helpful in the early stages and movies with humor may offer the best results
- Any activity that will provide a sense of accomplishment. The caregiver must offer praise that it was well done.
- Chores that the person normally performed before becoming ill should be encouraged. These should not take a lot of time. Performing these activities every day is the best.
Many activities for dementia are useful in keeping the dementia patient active and happy. Physical activities are helpful in maintaining muscle mass. This is important, as some people will experience a loss of fine motor skills and even mobility.
The truth is, people coping with this illness can still enjoy a range of activities. Medical professionals often stress the need to remain active. This is a means of coping. It will also help to keep both the patient and caregiver upbeat.
SOURCES
http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/activities_people_dementia.htm
http://www.pssru.ac.uk/pdf/MCpdfs/Activities_factsheet.pdf
http://www.alzinfo.org/01/articles/caregiving-20
http://www.pssru.ac.uk/pdf/MCpdfs/Activities_factsheet.pdf
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Diane Carbo
Diane Carbo
Diane Carbo
Diane Carbo
