People with Alzheimer’s have the same social needs as other people. They need social interaction and engaging, meaningful activities that prevent boredom and give them a sense of purpose. Taking part in activities can help reduce anxiety and irritability. It can also spur memories and enable the person to express themselves. One way to keep an older adult with Alzheimer’s engaged is through recreational therapy.

What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational therapy uses activities designed according to a person’s specific needs that is meant to help them with both their physical and psychological health. In people with Alzheimer’s, recreational therapy can sometimes have the same benefits as drugs used to treat the condition. The overall purpose of recreational therapy is to increase the senior’s quality of life. Some of the ways that recreational therapy may accomplish this goal is by:

• Keeping the person’s interests and skills at the center of activities.
• Promoting a sense of self-worth.
• Prompting memories.
• Allowing social engagement with a group or an individual.

Studies indicate that Alzheimer’s patients who are involved in recreational therapy have fewer difficult behavioral symptoms, like wandering and aggression.

Some Activities to Try at Home

Sometimes recreational therapy is done with the help of a professional therapist who is experienced in developing programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, if this is not an option for your aging relative, there are activities that you can do at home to keep your loved one engaged and active, such as:

• Arts and Crafts: Choose activities that use the skills a person has. For example, if the person knits, pick simple patterns they can follow, such as making washcloths or scarves. More complex crafts can be done with the aid of a family caregiver or an elderly care provider.
• Music: Pick songs that the older adult enjoys, such as music from their younger years. Sing along with the music or dance.
• Read: Read books that were old favorites or choose a magazine that represents their interests. If the senior enjoys keeping up with local and world events, read the newspaper with them.
• Cook or Bake: Make simple recipes with steps the person can follow. An elderly care provider or family member can assist with the more difficult parts of the task.

An elderly care provider can be an asset for keeping a person with Alzheimer’s involved and happy. Elderly care providers can help the person to do activities with them. Elderly care providers can play games, simplify and supervise household tasks, and talk to the older adult. They can also drive the person to group activities in their community.

Sources

https://www.atra-online.com/what/FAQ

https://nctrc.org/about-ncrtc/about-recreational-therapy/

http://psychiatric-disorders.com/alzheimers/therapeutic-recreation-for-alzheimers-disease/

https://www.alzheimers.net/2014-03-06/stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-patients/

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elderly Care in South Pasadena, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.