Finding useful and relaxing activities for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be challenging. There are programs which have daily activities planned for patients so that they are able to manage their conditions and help them improve.
For dementia and Alzheimer’s care, the activities need to be planned carefully and should be able to bring the people back a little towards normal life.
If you are looking to for activities to include in a care program for dementia patients, then here are a few to get you started.
Light and Easy Exercises
It is very important for dementia patients to keep physically active. By planning activities around light exercises such as walking, hand and foot movements and even stretching, you can help them maintain a healthy routine. Depending on the fitness of the patient, there can also be water aerobics or fishing trips on some days.
These physical activities are not designed for fitness but can also be good for reducing anxiety and restlessness in dementia patients. There are many programs like those run by Dementia Care Bucks County for example, that have such activities for their patients.
Arts, Crafts and Creative Work
Now, this may sound like something that wouldn’t be suitable for a patient losing brain function and suffering from memory loss, but it really is. Activities that involve arts and crafts or other creative things like making models with clay or putting together necklaces and bracelets with beads are actually very positive. Arts and crafts are done usually in groups and can help people feel like they are part of something. This creates a better mood and increases productivity as well.
Small Trips or Outings
Going out, even if it’s for a short amount of time can work very well in improving the condition of dementia patients. You can plan small trips to nearby parks, to a community event or go to the zoo as well. This could help the patients remember a few things again and feel normal. These outings or trips could be planned on a weekly basis or you can have them two to three times in a month. It is a good way to keep dementia patients busy so that they don’t get depressed or upset.
Musical Groups
Now, there are already many reports on the calming and positive effects of music. For Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, musical activities such as listening to relaxing music in groups or watching concerts together can be really helpful. They not only bring memories and emotions back but are also good with making patients move their legs or hands.
Communicate and Engage
Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients have a lot of problems with communication and talking to others. If you start to engage with them regularly with activities like reading or showing pictures and playing board games, you will begin to see improvements. There are care programs that have activities created around engaging and communicating with patients. You can also look through Dementia Cure Newtown, PA to find many facilities and health services that create specific activities according to the condition of the patient.
Hopefully, this has given you a few ideas in coming up with activities for dementia patients. Just remember that it should be helpful and not perfect!
Primary Care Physician Bucks County, PA 