Caring for someone with any form of dementia is hard. It is especially difficult when you are the caretaker for a loved one. You see them begin to lose memories and mental acuity. Struggling with the disease makes most patients angry, agitated, and stressed. You may not be able to completely relieve the anxiety a loved one is feeling, but you could try some activities that have been shown to provide calming 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.
Finger painting is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to express themselves and increase their dexterity a little as the same time. You can purchase finger paints for a few dollars in the arts and crafts section of a big box store or make your own. If you decide to make the paint yourself, you will need cornstarch, food coloring, gelatin, and some water.
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.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
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.
Being a caregiver for someone with any form of dementia is challenging. It's important to find ways to ease the stress, anxiety, and anger these individuals often feel. Sensory games and activities are wonderful ways to create a diversion, help them relax, and even trigger a good memory or two.
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.
Finger painting is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to express themselves and increase their dexterity a little as the same time. You can purchase finger paints for a few dollars in the arts and crafts section of a big box store or make your own. If you decide to make the paint yourself, you will need cornstarch, food coloring, gelatin, and some water.
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.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
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.
Being a caregiver for someone with any form of dementia is challenging. It's important to find ways to ease the stress, anxiety, and anger these individuals often feel. Sensory games and activities are wonderful ways to create a diversion, help them relax, and even trigger a good memory or two.
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