Sunday, February 21, 2010

My Elderly Parent Has Dementia: What Activities Can We Do Together in Allentown, PA

Here is a great article that I found and wanted to pass on to you. For more great information and assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit us at www.family-caregivers.com.

My Elderly Parent Has Dementia: What Activities Can We Do Together?
by Emilee Seltzer


Caregivers for the elderly with dementia often find that coming up with activities for the elder can require much thought and effort. But they are vital to your parent’s health and well-being. Creating activities can really be quite simple if you follow some general guidelines.

Create meaningful activities

•Consider their interests
Depending on how severe your parent’s dementia is or their stage of Alzheimer’s, activities can vary; however, designing activities that involve their past interests are of the utmost importance. For example, if they love to garden, foster that passion with stimulating gardening activities.
What if your parent does not have either the physical or cognitive capability to engage in activities they once loved? Beth Kallmyer, Director of Family and Information Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, recommends adjusting activities to fit their abilities. If your parent loved gardening but no longer has the mental ability to engage in it independently, consider assisting them or simplifying the activity. You can go outside with them and do planting and gardening together, or you can bring a few pots with seeds inside the house for your parent to water daily.

Try to make activities meaningful, rather than ones aimed at simply passing time. Even though your parent may not remember different activities they do, he or she will simply enjoy the moment. It contributes to their general happiness.

•Reestablish old routines
It is very common for seniors to feel as if they have lost their sense of purpose. Design activities that you and your parent can do together and that will make them feel needed and useful. Many things people do are habitual – for example, washing dishes, folding laundry or taking out the trash. Your parent’s ability may not be what it once was, but giving them a small task that they are able to accomplish independently or helping you with a more complicated task will create a sense of purpose for them.

•Provide opportunity for social interaction
Even though your parent’s cognitive and/or physical abilities have declined, they still need to interact with others regularly. “Humans have a basic need for social connectedness and those with Alzheimer’s disease, regardless of what stage of the disease they are in, still have that need,” said Kallmyer. If possible, have your parent accompany you with the grocery shopping or while running errands. In general, elders with dementia can feel anxiety in over crowded or hectic areas, so when you take them out with you, make sure to go at a less busy time. Your parent will enjoy the social interaction.

•Engage in physical exercise
Another According to Kallmyer, elders with dementia often wander because they are not getting enough exercise. Take daily walks with them, if possible; they can reduce agitation. If the weather does not permit walking, have your parent use a stationary bike. A good time for exercise is when they are already feeling agitated or when they feel bored.

A major concern for caregivers for elders with dementia is that they become withdrawn and are resistant to participate in any activities. In these situations, it is important to get creative. Kallmyer said, “Sometimes people with Alzheimer’ disease work well with different people.” If possible, she recommends trying to get different people to engage in activities with the elderly parent. Sometimes, a different face can be the solution and your parent may be willing to participate in various activities. It is important to know that if your parent is becoming increasingly agitated you should talk to his or her doctor.



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Beth Kallmyer is the Director of Family and Information Services for the Alzheimer’s Association. If you have any questions, there are counselors available at all times at 1-800-272-3900.

3 comments:

  1. As you say, the social interaction is so very important. This is illustrated in a documentary film we recently watched "I remember better when I paint". Those with AD come to life when involved with the arts, including museum visit. There is a clip of the film on youtube.

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  2. To the families of those with dementia... if you are hoping for a way to renew your relationship with your loved one... please visit: http://memoryjoggingpuzzles.com

    You will find puzzles & games that are beneficial brain and memory exercise plus many other benefits.

    As mentioned before, it is beneficial to engage the person in activities that he/she used to do or were familiar with. (this stimulates old habit memories)

    Memory Jogging Puzzles and Memory Card Games have themes by Norman Rockwell - The Saturday Evening Post. His wonderful paintings encourage participation rather than "no".

    These puzzles & games were designed for success not failure... "a fun moment in time".

    Many dementia patients are from Rockwell's era and they remember his name and paintings.

    Great for opening conversations. Check them out for more information.

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  3. The article's original source is AgingCare.com.

    http://www.agingcare.com/137087

    Please give credit to the appropriate source or remove the article.

    Thanks a lot!
    Lindsey Tremulis
    Marketing Director
    AgingCare.com

    ReplyDelete