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 simplest activities, the ones you enjoy playing with very little children, can create hours of pleasure for those with Alzheimer's. You do not have to spend much money putting them together. Most of the items needed you will find in your kitchen drawers or garage. What you can't find you can pick up for a few dollars. For one game all you need is a plastic bag, water beads, and small objects for the person to try and identify.
Scented cards might bring a lot of enjoyment to the person in your care. It could even open a dialog about memories. You will need cardboard pieces, flower petals, fresh herbs, spices, perfumed paper, or anything else you can think of with a pleasant smell. You could ask the loved one if the aromas remind her of anything.
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.
Being a caregiver for someone with any form of dementia is challenging. It's important to find ways to ease the stress, anxiety, and anger these individuals often feel. Sensory games and activities are wonderful ways to create a diversion, help them relax, and even trigger a good memory or two.
Sometimes the simplest activities, the ones you enjoy playing with very little children, can create hours of pleasure for those with Alzheimer's. You do not have to spend much money putting them together. Most of the items needed you will find in your kitchen drawers or garage. What you can't find you can pick up for a few dollars. For one game all you need is a plastic bag, water beads, and small objects for the person to try and identify.
Scented cards might bring a lot of enjoyment to the person in your care. It could even open a dialog about memories. You will need cardboard pieces, flower petals, fresh herbs, spices, perfumed paper, or anything else you can think of with a pleasant smell. You could ask the loved one if the aromas remind her of anything.
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.
Being a caregiver for someone with any form of dementia is challenging. It's important to find ways to ease the stress, anxiety, and anger these individuals often feel. Sensory games and activities are wonderful ways to create a diversion, help them relax, and even trigger a good memory or two.
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