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 simplest activities, the ones you enjoy playing with very little children, can create hours of pleasure for those with Alzheimer's. You do not have to spend much money putting them together. Most of the items needed you will find in your kitchen drawers or garage. What you can't find you can pick up for a few dollars. For one game all you need is a plastic bag, water beads, and small objects for the person to try and identify.
Scented cards might bring a lot of enjoyment to the person in your care. It could even open a dialog about memories. You will need cardboard pieces, flower petals, fresh herbs, spices, perfumed paper, or anything else you can think of with a pleasant smell. You could ask the loved one if the aromas remind her of anything.
You might set up an art activity with some butcher paper and finger paint. Painting is a non-threatening way for an Alzheimer's patient to express her frustrations and anxiety. You can get finger paint packages in big box stores, or you can make them yourself. All you need to make non-toxic paint is a mixture of water, food coloring, gelatin, and cornstarch.
Kids love to sort coins, and this is an occupation your Alzheimer's patient might like as well. If you are in the habit of emptying your pockets at night and dumping loose change in a coin jar, you won't need much else in the way of supplies. You can add some glass bowls around the jar, and ask the patient to help you sort out your coins by placing pennies, dimes, and quarters together.
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.
Popping bubble wrap is something that fascinates a lot of perfectly healthy adults. You might be surprised at how engrossed an Alzheimer's patient can get just sitting and popping the plastic bubbles. If you don't have any of these packing supplies on hand, they can be purchased very affordable at office supply and big box stores.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
Sometimes the simplest activities, the ones you enjoy playing with very little children, can create hours of pleasure for those with Alzheimer's. You do not have to spend much money putting them together. Most of the items needed you will find in your kitchen drawers or garage. What you can't find you can pick up for a few dollars. For one game all you need is a plastic bag, water beads, and small objects for the person to try and identify.
Scented cards might bring a lot of enjoyment to the person in your care. It could even open a dialog about memories. You will need cardboard pieces, flower petals, fresh herbs, spices, perfumed paper, or anything else you can think of with a pleasant smell. You could ask the loved one if the aromas remind her of anything.
You might set up an art activity with some butcher paper and finger paint. Painting is a non-threatening way for an Alzheimer's patient to express her frustrations and anxiety. You can get finger paint packages in big box stores, or you can make them yourself. All you need to make non-toxic paint is a mixture of water, food coloring, gelatin, and cornstarch.
Kids love to sort coins, and this is an occupation your Alzheimer's patient might like as well. If you are in the habit of emptying your pockets at night and dumping loose change in a coin jar, you won't need much else in the way of supplies. You can add some glass bowls around the jar, and ask the patient to help you sort out your coins by placing pennies, dimes, and quarters together.
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.
Popping bubble wrap is something that fascinates a lot of perfectly healthy adults. You might be surprised at how engrossed an Alzheimer's patient can get just sitting and popping the plastic bubbles. If you don't have any of these packing supplies on hand, they can be purchased very affordable at office supply and big box stores.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
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When you are looking for information about sensory therapy for dementia patients, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.vizuallyspeaking.ca now.
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