Keeping your senior loved one active and mentally stimulated can enhance his or her quality of life and mitigate some of the worst dementia symptoms. Studies continue to show challenging hobbies and pastimes can boost brain health while minimizing memory loss. Here’s a quick look at a handful of healthy and beneficial activities that are perfect for aging adults with dementia.
Playing an Instrument
Playing a musical instrument requires many different skills, and this pastime can activate multiple areas of the brain at once. During the initial stages of dementia, your loved one might be able to play basic songs and tunes on his or her instrument of choice. Even if your loved one didn’t play an instrument in the past, he or she might still enjoy playing drums, bongos, or a tambourine.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Baking or Cooking
Making tasty dishes is an excellent activity for seniors with dementia, and even simple recipes can require quite a bit of thought. Spending time in the kitchen can keep your loved one sharp and potentially delay some of the symptoms of dementia. If your loved one isn’t used to cooking, start off with basic recipes, such as sandwiches, smoothies, or salads. You must also make sure your loved one has constant supervision whenever he or she is around knives or open flames.
Working on Puzzles
Many neurologists and brain health experts suggest seniors with dementia should work on puzzles as often as possible. Doing puzzles is one of the healthiest activities for the brain, and it’s a great way to keep your loved one engaged and stimulated. As the disease progresses, your loved one can transition to easier puzzles with larger pieces. You also have the option of printing out customized puzzles made from pictures of his or her friends, family members, and pets.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. 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 Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service Richmond, VA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Crafting
This popular activity is another excellent option for older adults who have dementia, and it requires nothing more than some inexpensive supplies. You might have to try out a few different types of crafting before you find something your loved one truly enjoys. Some of the most popular crafting activities include scrapbooking, drawing, creating wax paper art, doing origami, and making puppets.
Playing Card Games
Before the condition progresses too far, your loved one might enjoy playing card games. There are literally thousands of card games to choose from, and you’re sure to find an option that isn’t too challenging for your loved one. As an added bonus, your loved one can also socialize while playing cards, which could have a positive impact on his or her emotional health.
Tending a Garden
Growing plants, flowers, and vegetables is one of the best activities for seniors with dementia, and it can burn off a few calories while challenging cognitive skills. For those who have never gardened before, herbs will probably be the easiest to grow. When it comes time to harvest those herbs and use them in homemade dishes, your loved one may feel a sense of pride and accomplishment after seeing his or her hard work pay off.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Richmond families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (804) 207-4746 today.