Keeping Your Mind Stimulated: The Best Activities for Dementia Patients
Around 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, which is a disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to complete everyday tasks and activities.
Learning that your loved one has dementia is a terrifying experience and you wonder if there will come a time you won't be recognized anymore.
But while there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to slow the progression by keeping the mind stimulated and active. We all know physical and mental activity is important for overall health, but it's even more important for people with dementia.
Here are some activities for dementia patients that can help keep them active and engaged in day-to-day living.
Games and Puzzles
Because dementia affects memory and overall cognitive ability, it's important to flex the mind muscles and do things that work directly with cognition. In fact, studies suggest that puzzles and crosswords really do delay the progression of dementia.
But not only are games and puzzles helpful to a dementia patient, but it's a great way to connect with your loved one by working on something together. Be sure to check out some dementia-friendly puzzles for you and your loved one to try.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to get your loved one outdoors and using their hands to take care of something. It's low-effort and doesn't require a lot of physical ability, especially if you are there to help.
Gardening is also something your loved one can do while you aren't there. Our Elite caregivers can help your loved one take care of the garden every day, which will give your loved one a sense of routine, which is extremely important for dementia patients.
Go for a Walk
Just as it's important to keep the mind stimulated, your loved one also needs to stay active in order to keep their physical health in shape.
Going on a walk each day will get them the exercises they need and will also be a part of their daily routine. Take a walk to a nearby park or beach so your loved one can enjoy the healing power of nature, too.
Arts and Music
Did your loved one have an artistic talent through their life? Or maybe a favorite artist that they've seen in concert several times? Connecting your loved one to past experiences and joys is extremely important for dementia patients.
During your time together, you can paint, draw, do pottery, or listen to their favorite music. These activities are not only enjoyable for you both, but they can bring back memories for your loved one.
Try These Activities for Dementia Patients
Dementia is a sad disease for both the person suffering from it and for their loved ones. But finding fun activities for dementia patients will not only bring you closer but can help stimulate the brain and slow the progression of the disease.
Does your loved one need at-home care? We at Elite Home Health Care offer a wide variety of caregivers, including post-surgery care, physical and occupational therapists, and skilled nurses. Give us a call today to learn more.
