Seniors with Alzheimer’s can have a much better quality of life and overall health if they are active daily. This might be difficult for seniors with mobility issues, but with support from care management providers and loved ones, they can find things that empower them and increase their productivity. Even though each senior’s activities should be based on their abilities and hobbies, there are some general activities that seniors with Alzheimer’s might enjoy.
Exploring Activities For Seniors
When considering activities that seniors with Alzheimer’s might enjoy, it’s important to understand their current condition and their feelings about those activities. With the help of care management services, loved ones can be sure that seniors are engaging in activities each day, which can improve their cognitive and mental health. A few suggestions for activities are listed below.
Reminiscing and sharing stories: Get seniors to talk about their lives and memories by showing them old photos, playing music from their youth, or talking about important events. This practice helps them think more clearly and gives them a sense of belonging and approval.
Arts and crafts: It can be relaxing and fun to do easy arts and crafts like painting, drawing, coloring, or working with clay. In addition, it enhances their creativity, small motor skills, and sense of self-expression.
Physical movement: Light exercises, like sitting exercises, stretching, or guided walks, that are suited to their abilities are great for seniors. Physical activity improves circulation, makes them feel better, and improves their general health.
Music therapy: Music strongly affects people with Alzheimer’s, often making them feel or remember things. Play songs they know, or ask them to sing along or play an instrument if they know how to.
Sensory activities: Stimulating the senses can be very helpful for people with Alzheimer’s. Offer sensory experiences like aromatherapy, where smells remind them of good times, or touch activities like sorting things by how they feel or playing with sand or water. This might seem like childish fun, but it can be very beneficial for seniors.
Puzzles and games: Choose puzzles, board games, or card games that suit their current condition. Home care aids can consistently participate in these activities with seniors, providing excellent interaction.
Spending time in nature: Caring for plants or walking through gardens or parks can be calming and healing. Home care aides can involve seniors in light gardening chores, like planting seeds, watering plants, or picking herbs.
Activities for all ages: Loved ones and home care aides can work together to set up visits with family and friends to increase their engagement, regardless of the activity. Seniors with Alzheimer’s can feel happy, laugh, and have a sense of purpose when they spend time with others.
It’s important to understand what activities will be best and what types of things seniors are interested in. This involves thinking outside the box and open communication. Seniors can thrive with a strong support system that includes their loved ones and a care management team working together.
Sources: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities
https://thekey.com/learning-center/activities-for-dementia-patients
https://dailycaring.com/activities-for-people-with-dementia-10-fun-no-fail-ideas/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Care Management Services in Shelby County TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (901) 300-8576
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland, Hernando, Olive Branch, Arlington, Atoka, Southaven, Bartlett, Marion, Shelby County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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