Tag: activities for dementia

An Easter basket or activity box for someone living with dementia

We often think to put Easter baskets together for children.  It can be exciting to hunt for eggs or to find a basket full of sweets.  Children sift through the contents, sorting out favorite candies and toys.  If you are lucky, they will clean up the plastic grass afterwards.

We can similarly engage older adults living with dementia, of any religious affiliation.  As dementia progresses, certain senses are heightened.  One of these is touch.  During the “Amber” stage, those living with dementia have a tendency to touch surfaces.  As eyesight and gait (walking ability) worsen, touching surfaces help orient the person.

Touch can also be reassuring.  Holding their hand or feeling different textures can be a way to communicate as their traditional conversational skills worsen.

Consider putting together an activity box, or Easter basket, if applicable.  Remember, this should be a fun activity so do not worry if the end result is not as imagined.  You might even want to consider some music in the background.

The search can be limited to your own home.  Find objects of varying sizes, textures, densities, and colors.  Once you gather these all, ensure that none have sharp edges and are large enough not to be swallowed.  Layer them into a basket or box.

Bring the basket or box to your loved one.  Get them started by finding the first or second object.

Simple activities such as these add meaning to the lives of older adults living with dementia.  They may remind them of Easter as a child, or simply serve as a task to make them feel loved and needed.  Never underestimate how feeling loved and needed can improve their quality of life.

Some of the ideas behind the activity box were found from Crossroads Hospice.  The suggestions about tactile simulation and the Amber stage of dementia can be learned about here.

 

Activities for those living with dementia

During the first week of services, NursePartners puts together an activity box for each of our clients living with dementia.  These give carepartners the tools they need to start building a successful relationship.

Carepartners know to communicate client needs as they arise.  Sometimes by learning more about our clients we can find activities that will best engage them.  Occasionally we bring additional items into the client’s home as we discover new interests.

We recommend keeping the brain actively engaged.  Families are encouraged to interact with the person living with dementia to find new ways to connect “and say hello”.  Jeremy Miller, BSW is a Certified Dementia Specialist who offers recommendations on his website: http://www.engagingdementia.com/engaging-products.

 

6 Activities for those living with dementia

It is also recommended to involve clients in their own care.  Clients should feel a sense of responsibility.  Carepartners may accompany them to places such as the grocery store or they could shop for these items online.  Grocery delivery and other similar services are coordinated through our office.

Let us tell you more about how we can help you or a loved one age gracefully in place: 610-323-9800.