The American Geriatrics Society reports that up to 7% of adults over the age of 60 have some form of dementia. In addition to creating struggles with memory, decision-making skills and language, dementia can cause changes in mood, including increased levels of depression, anxiety and irritability, as well as other health problems. Some common complications of dementia include:
- Falls
- Osteoporosis or thinning of the bones
- Frailty
- Sleep problems
- Bone fractures
- Anxiety
- Disturbed behavior
- Malnutrition
- Agitation
Sometimes, these additional health issues can make identifying, treating and managing dementia more difficult. This makes it even more important to take active steps to manage the disease, including helping your loved one with dementia remain active and engaged in daily life.
What Activities are Suitable for Elderly People with Dementia?
For seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, boredom and a lack of engagement or stimulation can be one of the most frustrating things. It is important for loved ones and caregivers to help by providing and participating in activities that create an opportunity for enjoyment and engagement. Fun, stimulating activities can raise the spirits of an individual with dementia, help to prevent depression and reduce irritability and anxiety. So, what activities are suitable for elderly people with dementia?
There are many activities that are safe, fun, engaging and totally appropriate for seniors with dementia. If you are looking for options, remember that activities should attempt to:
- Help seniors feel productive
- Encourage self-expression
- Stir memories and allow the senior to share stories of his or her life
- Allow the senior to feel engaged with life
- Foster emotional connections with friends and family
After a dementia diagnosis, your senior loved one may attempt to withdraw from activities he or she enjoyed prior to being diagnosed. Maintaining open communication about the progression of the disease and the importance of continuing to live a full life may be necessary to keep your loved one’s spirits up. Additionally, your loved one may have different interests and abilities as their dementia advances. What is safe in the early stages may become overwhelming for the person later on; make adjustments to activities as needed. It is also helpful to stay actively involved in the maintenance and understanding of your loved one’s condition so you can better identify safe options.
Free Activity Calendar Template for Seniors with Dementia
If your loved one lives in a memory care facility, like Stratford Commons Memory Care Community or Mission Chateau Senior Living, there are many available amenities and activities for your loved one to try out. Memory care residents at Tutera Senior Living & Health Care communities enjoy delicious, healthy meals, have opportunities for outings and social engagements, participate in fitness programs of their choosing and enjoy daily services to support their living needs. If you are planning additional activities for your loved one, or if you are a caregiver for your loved one at home, try to add these six types of activities to your daily calendar:
- A sensory stimulation activity
- An activity focused on reminiscing to promote discussion
- A bedside activity that appeals to at least one of the person’s senses
- A fun, easy craft
- Safe and enjoyable exercise
- A one-on-one activity to deepen relationships
Keeping a daily activity calendar can help you keep your loved one active, while providing a sense of routine for both of you. Here is a free activity calendar template for seniors with dementia to get you started.
Choosing a Lifestyle You Love
At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, we understand the incredible trust it requires to allow us to care for your loved ones. Our communities are designed to help your loved one retain their dignity while living with memory loss. We treat all our residents with patience, respect and kindness while helping them find and enjoy their life’s purpose and their chosen pleasures. Our Life Enrichment Directors, Health and Wellness Directors, Certified Nursing and Medication Assistants and our Clinical Licensed Nurses all work together to create and maintain a care plan, individualized for your loved one’s needs and happiness.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of a Tutera community near you and learn more about our memory care services!
