Verina Daly Care
If you know a friend or family member who is a dementia sufferer, there is no reason why it must stop them from doing the activities that they enjoy. There are many activities to help dementia sufferers…
There are many activities that you can do to stimulate their brain and keep them moving; whilst using this time to spend with your loved ones. Keeping in touch with people can boost their confidence and increase their happiness, so get as many people involved in their life as possible!
Having a lack of activity can trigger boredom, which can be frustrating. It is important to find activities that they already enjoy, to help keep them in high spirits and prevent any form of depression from developing. Nevertheless, do not be afraid to get them to try new things, be outgoing and adventurous.
Inspirational Activities for a Dementia Sufferer:
- Dance classes, yoga, swimming, singing classes, or getting out in the fresh air for a lovely walk (perhaps on a beach, a sensory garden, or a woodland track). Make sure the surfaces are flat and secure to prevent any trips, falls, or any chance of them wandering off.
- Art classes, painting, and/or life drawing – this allows them to have a sense of freedom and release any thoughts and emotion onto the page, whilst creating a beautiful piece of art for them and you to enjoy.
- Getting friends together for a picnic, going out for a coffee, and sharing stories on a weekly basis. Long-term memory remains stronger for longer in those who live with dementia. Therefore, it’s great for them to be asked questions by yourselves, friends, and family.
- Watch back old videos and look through photo albums, have a day of memories to enhance their own.
- Cooking and baking are two wonderful ways to boost their self-esteem, making something which anyone can enjoy. Having a little help in the kitchen from yourselves, friends, and family will prevent them from any accidental cuts and burns.
- Go to the theatre, listen to music, or watch any sort of production to allow them to get lost in the moment. Even listening to their favourite singer/band/film etc can help them reconnect with their old memories.
- Interact with animals! Visiting zoos, farms, or having loved ones with pets can relieve any stress or tension whilst stimulating their senses, lowering their blood pressure, and their heart rate.
Although it is thought that dementia sufferers who are in their later stages cannot engage in the same kind of activities as those who have a milder case, this is untrue. Some activities may just need to be simplifying – it’s recommended that the focus of these activities is to be based on the senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
If for any reason going out and doing things outside isn’t an option, then there are simple tasks around the house that can make them feel productive and feel as if they have a sense of purpose such as:
- Washing up
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- Folding, washing and pairing socks
- Board games
- Hoovering
- Polishing
- Gardening (Planting seeds, picking weed, etc)
- Untying knots – this is a good way to use their brainpower.
Seek Support:
No matter the severity of their dementia, this will not stop them from doing any activities that they love and enjoy. Do not feel limited and make sure that if they do take on any tricky tasks, that you watch over them, and most of all, enjoy spending time with them.
If you have any further questions or are struggling to cope with anything associated with or alongside dementia, please feel free to get in touch with a friendly member or our team. We understand how difficult it can be to respond to out-of-character behaviour patterns caused by Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Also, feel free to read another one of our blogs for any more advice.
We can also help you with our ‘take a break’ service, this can start from as little as 30 minutes to a whole month. If you would like to discuss your needs in more detail, then please give our friendly team a call on 023 9263 2393.
