Do you have a loved one who is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? If you do, it is important to find activities that will help you to connect with them. There are a number of ways through which you can achieve this even if they have a problem with their memory. Interestingly, people who suffer from dementia normally have memories of their childhood. You can use these to create a point of connection with them. Here are some activates that you can engage in to evoke these memories and connect with them.
Take walks in nature
Natural surroundings such as the park and nature conservancies are ideal ways to spark interest in a person suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Allowing them to smell the flowers, hear the birds and feel the green grass is an amazing way to help them begin to enjoy outdoor activities more. In addition to that, you can ask them which activities they enjoy. You can help them to perform these and also create situations that are similar to their childhood. This will relax them and help them open up and connect with you.
Get treats for them
Your loved one may have enjoyed specific types of treats as they were growing up. These could have been candies or sweet drinks. There are stores that specialize in these traditional treats. You can get in touch with these and provide them to your loved ones.
You can go to a farm or see animals
If your loved one grew up on a farm, there are some locations where you can take them and they can see and even pet the animals. This can be in a family farm or a petting zoo. Interact with your loved one about these animals. Let them be simple and involving about the trip. This will jog their memory and help them to remember the good times of their youth.
Have them practice traditional skills
There are some skills that were learned and practiced in the past. Examples of these are knitting and crocheting. Your loved one may have engaged in them and enjoyed it. You can facilitate these by providing them with the necessary tools to knit or crotchet again. They may remember how to do it and actually enjoy.
Get some old photos or read their favorite books
Photos can jog the memory of your loved one. They can make them remember things from their past. These are quite powerful in connecting with them. Moreover, if your loved one had a special, favorite book, you can read it for them. It can help to revive good memories from the past for them.
Play some of their favorite tunes
Music is actually a very powerful tool for treating and managing dementia. It can be used to connect with them. Play some of the songs that they listened to when they were young. These ones can revive memories and help them to feel good. You can even find that your loved one remembers some of these songs. It is a great way to connect with them.
Exercise with them
Exercise is essential to maintain a healthy body. For your loved one with Alzheimer’s, exercise can help them feel better by regulating their body weight; keeping their heart, muscles, and joints in good shape; and supporting a healthy sleep habit. That said, exercise and other strenuous activities may be challenging for Alzheimer’s patients in the middle or late stages. Physical activities can trigger incontinence of the bladder or bowel. Still, exercise is very important, so you should look into undergarments and aids for your loved one to guard against loss of bladder and bowel control. This way, you two can exercise without interruption.
Conclusion
Dementia or Alzheimer’s are conditions that normally have a major effect on the mental state of people who have advanced in age. They may forget many things and even have behavioral problems. The solutions indicated above can help you to connect with them despite these challenges. They are a great way to deal with your loved ones.
Bio
James Madison is a senior home care giver. He has been in this job for over five years. By providing mental, physical, social and spiritual care to senior citizens, he makes their lives more enjoyable. By sharing his knowledge, James made this report possible.