Even as seniors with Alzheimer’s begin to lose some of their cognitive abilities, family caregivers need to find fun ways to keep them busy. Meaningful activities stimulate the mind and boost self-esteem. Below are some ideal activities caregivers should promote among seniors with Alzheimer’s.
1. Sewing
The soothing repetitive techniques used to sew blankets, clothing, and other items are perfect for seniors with Alzheimer’s because they keep the hands busy. Older adults with Alzheimer’s often display feelings of anxiety and aggression through fidgety hands, but sewing is a touch-based activity that can relax the mind and change a senior’s focus.
2. Organizing
Whether your elderly parent is organizing paperwork in the home office or helping you rearrange items in the bathroom or kitchen, these are positive ways to keep him or her busy. Organizing provides a sense of control, which is vital as Alzheimer’s progresses and causes brain cells to die, disrupting the ability to make logical decisions. Give your loved one unimportant papers and objects to rearrange to prevent him or her from putting important items in the wrong place.
3. Gardening
Planting flowers, fruits, and vegetables can keep your loved one busy and stir positive memories from the past. The stimulating activity can also encourage self-expression, which is important for older adults with Alzheimer’s. Your parent may feel a sense of accomplishment, regardless of how much work he or she does in the garden each week.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit a great deal when they receive professional Alzheimer’s home care. La Mesa seniors with memory-related conditions need consistent mental stimulation, and an experienced caregiver with extensive training in Alzheimer’s care can be a tremendous asset.
4. Playing Musical Instruments
A senior’s musical ability is often retained well into the late stages of Alzheimer’s, and playing an instrument can keep your loved one busy while enhancing his or her mood and quality of life. The activity can complement many forms of treatment, slowing the progression of the disease. Playing instruments can also boost brain health.
5. Cooking
Preparing traditional entrées or cooking new recipes can keep your loved one engaged and help him or her build strong emotional bonds with family and friends. Cooking lowers anxiety levels and reduces irritability and agitation. Ask your loved one to help with meal prep, giving him or her an activity to look forward to each week.
6. Working on Puzzles
Puzzles stimulate the brain and keep the mind focused, which is essential for keeping seniors with Alzheimer’s busy. Doing puzzles can also ease many symptoms associated with the disease, such as memory loss, poor communication, and depression. The best puzzles for seniors with Alzheimer’s include:
• Word searches
• Crossword puzzles
• Sudoku
• Jigsaw puzzles
7. Exercising
Working out at the gym, going for a jog with family members, or enrolling in a local dance class can reduce stress and provide brain benefits for older adults with Alzheimer’s. The activity can also alleviate boredom and lower the risk of depression, which is common among seniors with this disease. If your loved one is experiencing behavioral problems, you can distract him or her by encouraging exercise.
If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and needs assistance with tasks such as preparing meals, bathing, and grooming, call on Coast Care Partners, a leading provider of senior home care La Mesa families can trust. We also offer compassionate professional care for seniors with dementia and Parkinson’s. Call us today at 619-354-2544 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.
