Dementia Activities

Activities to Engage Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Most of us nowadays know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. The loss of memory and cognitive abilities, as well as altered speech and perception, can be a tremendously difficult reality to have to face. Yet, there are simple ways that family and caregivers can help engage these seniors in activities that can enhance their quality of life.

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

Residential assisted living is a great place to create activities to engage seniors with dementia.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]There are many unique ways to entertain seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s disease. Many years ago, terms like dementia and memory care didn’t exist. When people reached a certain age, if they exhibited certain behaviors associated with dementia-related symptoms, they were called crazy and admitted into institutions. Now things are different.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]There are over 400 different types of dementia, according to dementia awareness organization, Understand Together. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms and behaviors that occur when the brain stops working properly. This results in the loss of independent function for that person. What are the best ways to help seniors with Alzheimer’s?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO HELP SENIORS WITH DEMENTIA

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]After an elderly loved one is diagnosed with dementia, life can feel like a constant riddle.  Alzheimer’s makes it impossible to remember essential components for activities of daily living. There are several stages of the disease. A variety of tools are soothing and enjoyable for these individuals to prevent upsetting episodes.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

6-Pack Dementia Care Tool Kit

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

  1. Perform activities with no right or wrong response;
  2. Avoid activities that create a desired completed outcome or result;
  3. Redirect interests that remind seniors of previous pastimes that can potentially induce aggravation;
  4. Prepare to make immediate modifications;
  5. Stimulating activities, such as self-expression and social interactions, are especially beneficial; and
  6. Create opportunities for social connections to stir memories and reminisce, like the following examples:
    • Art – watercolors, clay, colored pencils, beads, etc.,
    • Gardening – Put together a small garden box, plant seeds, and tend to the plants as they grow,
    • Activities of Daily Living – Implement purposeful tasks when possible, such as folding clothing, wiping off the table, sorting silverware, sweeping the floor, etc.,
    • Cooking – Work together to prepare recipes, rolling out cookie dough, stirring together ingredients, and of course taste-testing,
    • Social Interaction – Reminisce over family photographs, movies, unwind and create new memories and pleasant moments.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]Everyone needs to feel engaged and entertained, even when diagnosed with various forms of dementia. The need to engage in ordinary life activities does not disappear because of a dementia diagnosis. It’s important to remember that how seniors engage will likely change.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]The number one priority for caregivers is to avoid activities that impose the idea of an individual being right or wrong. This will help entertainment remain fun and satisfying. It is not uncommon for individuals with dementia to be prescribed medications to reduce agitation, challenging behavior, and unhappy moods.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

SENIORS WITH DEMENTIA STILL DESERVE HAPPINESS

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]Senior toys, simpler 100-piece or fewer puzzles and other forms of entertainment become a necessary and supportive means of care for these senior citizens. Toys for the elderly accommodate specific needs that exceed typical toys for children. Don’t be misled or discouraged by the appearance of these activities. Although some of these toys are designed with children in mind, the way they are used for older adults is completely different.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]For example, toy toolboxes, simple puzzles and other stereotypical activities accompanied by warm hugs and cheerful music stir happy memories. Despite the marketing strategies that label these various forms of entertainment as toys for tots, caregivers can still find unique ways to use them. When you discover activities that engage the elderly, bring joy, and reduce stress, disregard the labels.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

Engage and Entertain with Fun Puzzles at the Right Level:

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

  • Simpler 100-Piece puzzles for mild cognitive impairment,
  • Puzzles for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia,
  • Puzzles for people with vision impairment, and 
  • Custom photo puzzles.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

RALNA RECOGNIZES THE RISING NEEDS IN SENIOR LIVING

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]According to the Residential Assisted Living National Association (RALNA), properly engaging and entertaining seniors with dementia helps improves their quality of life and as well as changing the public discourse on the reputation of assisted living in general. Alzheimer’s disease was discovered in 1906. However, cognitive measurement scales weren’t created until 1968.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]By 1974, Congress established the National Institute on Aging that continues to support Alzheimer’s research. In 1983, November was declared National Alzheimer’s Month to raise greater awareness of the disease. In 2015, about 46.8 million people worldwide were diagnosed with some form of dementia, and every 3 seconds another individual is diagnosed, according to The Global Voice on DementiaThe Center for Disease and Control indicates that these numbers are rapidly increasing. They project an increase of dementia cases to about 75.6 million in 2030 and 135.5 million in 2050.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]RALNA recognizes that dementia care is a huge crisis as well as a huge opportunity for change. This membership-based organization provides resources and support to the residential assisted living industry.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]Membership grants access to group purchasing power, discounts with over 200 RAL vendors, legal advocacy, industry marketing, educational services, memory care training, certifications, marketing, and relevant newsletters. Joining www.RALNA.com allows owners and caregivers to gain valuable need-to-know hot topics and pro-tips to highlight trending data.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_column_text]What are the best ways to help seniors with Alzheimer’s?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_separator css_animation=”fadeIn” type=”normal” color=”#eaeaea”][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”99″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

If you found the information on this article valuable, you’ll find enormous benefits by becoming a member of our community. Visit this page to become a RALNA Member.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Experience the Impact of the National Association

RAL Success Starter Packet

A collection of resources to help the residential assisted living professional maximize profitability and elevate care. Get this free packet which includes instruction related to Dealing with HOAs, Memory Care, Senior Health and Wellness, RAL Marketing, Home Tours, and Dementia.

What You Do for Seniors Matters

This packet is filled with practical and actionable steps to help you do good and do well. Where should we send your copy?