When an elderly person experiences a stroke, it doesn’t mean the end of independence. In fact, some stroke survivors find they can regain cognitive skills and perform many tasks as well as they did before having a stroke. Therapeutic activities such as memory games can help seniors regain cognitive skills after a stroke.
1. Word & Number Puzzles
Sudoku, word searches, and crossword puzzles are independent activities that help stroke survivors boost problem-solving and memory skills. Crossword puzzles and word searches have been popular for a long time, but sudoku may not be as familiar to some people. The objective of sudoku is to complete a grid by filling in numbers, each of which can only be used once in the grid.
2. Scrabble
Scrabble is a board game that requires high-level thinking and problem-solving skills. Individuals who have had strokes can enhance their memory skills as the letters in the group of tiles bring to mind words they’ve learned in the past. Early on, it may be best to encourage your loved one to try simple activities, such as spelling out his or her name using the tiles. Scrabble also boosts fine motor skills, since it requires using the fingers to pick up the tiles and place them in the tray that holds the letters.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Richmond live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
3. Jenga
Jenga is a game that requires stacking wooden blocks to form a tower and then removing individual blocks in a manner that prevents the tower from collapsing. Playing Jenga helps with hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, since it requires keeping the eyes on the tower while carefully removing the pieces.
Caring for a senior loved one 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.
4. Card Games
Playing card games can increase concentration and memory. A simple concentration card game involves placing cards facedown in rows on a tabletop. The player begins the game by selecting two cards in an effort to find cards with matching images. If the cards don’t match, the player returns each card to its original position. The objective is to remember the images on the faces of the cards and attempt to match cards by selecting them from positions based on memory.
A matching game that uses images and words written on cards can boost memory. Players match words on the cards to the correct images. The images can be photos of family members, household items, or anything that may have been familiar to your loved one before the stroke occurred.
5. Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are excellent tools for exercising the brain. When completing a jigsaw puzzle, seniors feel a sense of accomplishment. Jigsaw puzzles help stroke survivors boost their cognitive skills by concentrating on putting pieces where they belong, and this can also build confidence. Additionally, jigsaw puzzles enhance motor skills, since putting the pieces in place requires grasping and releasing them. Searching for where a puzzle piece fits also strengthens hand-eye coordination.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful puzzle-solving companion for a senior recovering from a stroke. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Richmond home care services. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (804) 207-4746 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.