It's difficult to watch a loved one struggle with dementia, whether it is Alzheimer's or some other form of the disease. As these individuals begin to lose their memories, and the ability to function effectively, many become agitated, stressed, and angry. The internet is full of suggested activities that provide soothing sensory therapy for dementia patients.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
Finger painting is a good way to get patients in the mood to express themselves. It might help with dexterity as well. Finger paints come in packages of several colors and are not expensive. You can even make your own with some gelatin, food coloring, cornstarch, and water. You'll need some butcher paper, which comes on rolls, and is easy to find.
If you already have a coin jar, you could create a pleasant pastime for your loved one. It might make her feel useful at the same time. You just place some glass bowls around the coin jar, and ask the patient to separate the coins from the jar into the bowls.
You can create a loop board with just a piece of wood, some screw eyes, and cord. You can paint the board and decorate it with objects to create a more complicated game, if that's appropriate. You might have to help the loved one thread the cord through the eyes to get from one end of the board to the other or to create a more intricate design.
There are plenty of healthy adults who love popping bubble wrap. It often fascinates those with dementia as well. This is an activity the patient can do sitting in front of the television to occupy her hands. Bubble wrap is not expensive. You will find the rolls at big box and office supply stores.
If you're a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, or just planning to visit a person with dementia, you need an arsenal of simple tools that soothe and comfort. Simple, childhood games are at least as effective as more complicated and expensive recreational activities. Anything that helps a loved one relax, and might trigger pleasant memories, is worth the effort.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
Finger painting is a good way to get patients in the mood to express themselves. It might help with dexterity as well. Finger paints come in packages of several colors and are not expensive. You can even make your own with some gelatin, food coloring, cornstarch, and water. You'll need some butcher paper, which comes on rolls, and is easy to find.
If you already have a coin jar, you could create a pleasant pastime for your loved one. It might make her feel useful at the same time. You just place some glass bowls around the coin jar, and ask the patient to separate the coins from the jar into the bowls.
You can create a loop board with just a piece of wood, some screw eyes, and cord. You can paint the board and decorate it with objects to create a more complicated game, if that's appropriate. You might have to help the loved one thread the cord through the eyes to get from one end of the board to the other or to create a more intricate design.
There are plenty of healthy adults who love popping bubble wrap. It often fascinates those with dementia as well. This is an activity the patient can do sitting in front of the television to occupy her hands. Bubble wrap is not expensive. You will find the rolls at big box and office supply stores.
If you're a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, or just planning to visit a person with dementia, you need an arsenal of simple tools that soothe and comfort. Simple, childhood games are at least as effective as more complicated and expensive recreational activities. Anything that helps a loved one relax, and might trigger pleasant memories, is worth the effort.
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