For seniors with dementia, maintaining their hobbies and interests is essential. Stimulating activities help them express themselves, forge emotional connections, and preserve cognitive health. Ahead, learn about a few hobbies that are appropriate for seniors with dementia.
Doing Household Tasks
Household tasks may seem banal to most adults, but they can give seniors with dementia a sense of accomplishment. Because many of these tasks are simple and repetitive, seniors are often able to complete them successfully without requiring much instruction. On the other hand, complex multistep tasks can be frustrating for seniors with dementia. Choose tasks that are simple to complete and appealing to your loved one. If your loved one enjoys organization, ask him or her to sort clean utensils or socks. Seniors who respond positively to tactile activities may enjoy folding towels or sorting a yarn collection.
Gardening
Gardening can be a soothing, mood-boosting pastime for seniors with dementia. They may enjoy the sensory pleasures involved, ranging from digging in the dirt to watering the plants. The simple repetitive movements performed while gardening can have a meditative effect, offering seniors respite from dementia-related anxiety and frustration. If your loved one enjoys being around flowers, you may also want to plan a day trip to a nearby botanical garden.
Caring for an aging loved one with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Fortunately, there is home care La Mesa families can trust. Professional dementia caregivers help older adults with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing mental and social stimulation, assisting with household chores and meal preparation, and much more.
Creating Art Projects
As dementia progresses, verbal communication becomes more difficult. Seniors may have difficulty remembering certain words, following conversations, or forming complete sentences. As verbal skills decrease, help your loved one find an alternative outlet for expression. Many experts recommend art therapy, as it allows seniors to communicate their feelings visually rather than verbally. Seniors can try a range of art activities to see which one they like best. Painting, coloring in adult coloring books, scrapbooking, and knitting are popular options.
Dancing
Like art, music therapy is a common treatment for seniors with dementia. Because the part of the brain that responds to music is relatively unaffected by cognitive decline, seniors are able to appreciate their favorite songs even as the condition progresses. To add to the therapeutic benefits of music, encourage your loved one to dance in time to the rhythm. Dancing is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, keeping seniors mobile and spry. It also doubles as a form of communication. Seniors with dementia may not be able to express their feelings in words, but they respond positively to touch and movement. Just as your loved one may appreciate a gentle pat on the arm, he or she may also enjoy joining hands and dancing around the room.
Playing Brain Games
Brain games stimulate the mind and slow the progression of dementia. There are plenty of options suitable for seniors with dementia, and many games are designed specifically with them in mind. Seniors may enjoy jigsaw puzzles, board games, and card games. Tech-savvy seniors should also try brain-training apps like Lumosity, MindMate, and Spaced Retrieval, which have cognitive games and quizzes that give the brain a thorough workout.
A favorite hobby can provide a fun, effective way for seniors living with dementia to reduce anxiety, boost cognitive function, and stay engaged with life. For the highest quality of dementia home care, La Mesa families rely on the compassionate professionals from Coast Care Partners to keep their loved ones safe and secure in the comfort of home. Reach out to one of our friendly representatives today at 619-354-2544 to learn how we can help you create a home care plan personalized just for your loved one.
