Regularly engaging in stimulating activities can have a profound impact on seniors with dementia. In addition to providing something to focus on, it could also slow the progression of the disorder and minimize some of its worst symptoms. If your aging parent has been diagnosed with dementia and seems to be withdrawing from the world, it’s time to come up with a long-term plan to help him or her. Here’s a closer look at five stimulating activities that are perfect for seniors with dementia.
1. Listen to Music
Listening to music activates multiple areas of the brain at the same time, which can have a positive impact on cognitive health. According to a 2010 study published in Nature Neuroscience, listening to music can also trigger the release of “feel-good” chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. In addition to listening to music, your loved one might also enjoy dancing to his or her favorite songs or playing simple instruments such as drums or handbells.
Seniors with dementia can optimize their quality of life with the help of highly trained, experienced professional caregivers. If your senior loved one needs professional dementia care, Frederick caregivers are available around the clock to provide the high-quality care he or she needs. Our dementia caregivers can help your loved one stay mentally engaged and delay the progression of the disease.
2. Start a Garden
Maintaining a garden provides many different benefits for seniors with dementia. Getting outside for a few minutes a day allows them to burn off excess calories, stretch their muscles, and get some much-needed sunshine. Standing out in the sunshine for 20 or 30 minutes stimulates the production of vitamin D, which is vital to muscle development and brain health. Gardening also provides a constant supply of fresh vegetables and tasty herbs.
Seniors with dementia often need assistance with everyday activities so they can age in place in safety and comfort. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care service families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Watch a Live Sporting Event
Social isolation is common in seniors with dementia, and withdrawing from society can be harmful to emotional health. Heading to a local sporting event once or twice a month allows your loved one to socialize with like-minded individuals while getting a little bit of exercise. This activity may be especially beneficial if your loved one is a lifelong fan of a specific sport or team. Watching a game or match could remind him or her of pleasant memories.
4. Do Puzzles
Passive activities like flipping through an old photo album or listening to a record can boost a senior’s mood, but they won’t enhance cognitive skills. If you want to boost your loved one’s brain health, encourage him or her to engage in challenging activities. Figuring out puzzles is a great way to pass the time while testing multiple cognitive abilities. Oversized puzzles are perfect for older adults who have moderate dementia.
5. Bake or Cook Simple Recipes
Following a simple recipe is another activity that challenges multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. When cooking, your loved one will need to read instructions, measure out ingredients, and plan a few steps ahead. Completing a dish or meal may give your loved one a sense of satisfaction while eating the food he or she has prepared. Some companies have even released cookbooks specifically for seniors with dementia who enjoy being in the kitchen.
If your loved one is living with dementia, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Frederick families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (301) 786-5045 today.
