When seniors are living with Alzheimer’s, games and activities are more than just fun. They provide valuable therapy and mental stimulation. Games, puzzles, and crafts are entertaining. But at the same time they are helping seniors strengthen their brains. Doing activities like these can help slow the reduction of cognitive abilities. And they can improve hand-eye coordination, spatial relation awareness, and more. Seniors with Alzheimer’s home care can spend time each day doing activities to help them slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Some of the best activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s are:
Looking At Photos Or Family Videos
Sharing photos and watching videos of the past can help seniors remember happy times and the people they loved. Having conversations about important family events is a good activity for seniors with Alzheimer’s too. Frame old photos and hang them around the room. Or create a photo wall with carefully labeled photos of your senior parent’s family and friends.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are great activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Doing simple arts and crafts stimulates creativity. They also help seniors maintain their fine motor skills. Painting, drawing, coloring, knitting, or making collages can be enjoyable and therapeutic. Choose activities that are appropriate for their abilities and interests.
Music Therapy
Playing music is one of the best activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s. But listening to music is excellent too. Play familiar songs or encourage seniors to sing along or play musical instruments. Music can evoke memories, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Gentle Exercise
Exercise is always good for seniors. Performing gentle exercises suitable for their physical abilities helps seniors maintain the connection between their brain and muscles. Chair exercises, stretching, or guided walks can improve mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Exercise also promotes better sleep and reduces restlessness.
Puzzle and Games
You can help your senior parent by doing puzzles with them. Or you can play word games or memory games. These activities help stimulate cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills. Choose puzzles with larger pieces or simpler designs to accommodate their needs.
Sensory Stimulation
Often seniors with Alzheimer’s find sensory stimulation soothing and engaging. Use scented lotions, soft blankets, textured materials, or tactile objects to stimulate touch. Engage in activities involving aromatherapy or listening to calming nature sounds to promote relaxation.
Gardening
Simple gardening tasks like potting plants, watering flowers, or tending to a small herb garden provide sensory stimulation for seniors. They also promote relaxation and good mental health. Taking care of plants is a good way to give seniors with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose.
Pet Therapy
Being around animals is fantastic for seniors with Alzheimer’s, and often they just love being around animals. If your senior parent can’t care for an animal full-time they can still enjoy interaction with animals. Take your senior parent to a petting zoo. Or help them volunteer at an animal shelter where they can pet animals and walk dogs for hours.
Group Activities
Seniors that participate in group activities have a stronger sense of belonging and connection. Join a senior center or Alzheimer’s support group that offers group exercises, outings, or arts and crafts sessions. These activities foster social connections and provide a supportive community.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-dementia/memory-games-for-dementia
https://clhgroup.co.uk/learning-centre/wellbeing/dementia-board-games-what-are-the-benefits
https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s home care in Denton, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 817-928-5788.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Denton County, Montague County, Cooke County, Grayson County, Fannin County, Lamar County, Wise County, Collin County, Hunt County, Delta County, and Hopkins County in Texas.
- The Importance of Lighting for Seniors in their Homes - June 6, 2024
- Understanding the Importance of Meal Planning for Seniors - May 23, 2024
- Tips for Helping a Senior Parent Shower Safely - May 14, 2024
