Engaging Activities for Elderly People with Dementia
Dementia is a disease that affects the way a person thinks and acts. As dementia progresses, patients may have difficulty communicating or performing everyday tasks.
It's important to include activities in their day that help stimulate their senses and provide mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Here are some great options for engaging activities for those suffering with dementia.
Critical Thinking Activities
Include daily activities that require critical thinking skills. This may include word games or jigsaw puzzles, which help stimulate the mind and keep it sharp for years to come.
Social Interaction with Others
Reminiscing about days gone by can be a great way for elderly people with dementia to stay engaged in life. Reminiscing is not only fun but it’s effective at improving mood and quality of life while reducing anxiety and agitation.
Make sure your loved one has plenty of opportunities to talk during social gatherings so they don't feel left out when speaking becomes difficult later on down the line!
Reading
Elderly people with dementia can benefit from reading as it helps stimulate their minds. It’s also a great way to keep them entertained and engaged, especially if they have any interest in the subject matter being read about!
Activities That Stimulate The Senses
Make sure your loved one gets plenty of exercise throughout the day so that they stay active and healthy.
It's important to include activities in their day that help stimulate their senses and provide mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Include daily activities such as going for walks or playing games outside where your loved ones will not only enjoy themselves but get some much-needed fresh air at the same time. Our Vancouver assisted living home makes a point to include daily exercise and other activities in the care of our seniors.
Memory Games for Cognitive Stimulation
Include activities that help with memory such as word games, jigsaw puzzles, or even a deck of cards! These types of games can be played over and over again without getting boring.
Try challenging your loved one to name all fifty states in alphabetical order – they will enjoy the challenge while strengthening their mind at the same time.
Exercise
Make sure your loved one gets plenty of exercise throughout the day so that they stay active and healthy. It's important to include activities in their day that help stimulate their senses and provide mental stimulation as well as physical activity.
Include daily activities such as going for walks or playing games outside where your loved ones will not only enjoy themselves but get some much-needed fresh air at the same time!
Break up Activities With Breaks Throughout The Day
Don't make all of these engaging activities go on too long without giving them a break. Elderly people with dementia do need short breaks throughout the day, even if it is just thirty minutes here and there (or more).
If you're considering enrolling your elderly loved one in a Vancouver senior living home, we'd love to speak to you. We walk you through the process step by step, so you don’t have to go at it alone. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about Vancouver senior care.