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Games To Play With People With Dementia

Helpful Daily Activities For Dementia Patients: 50 Expert Tips And Suggestions To Keep Your Loved One Engaged

Engaged caregiving and stage-appropriate activity for individuals with frontotemporal dementia.m4v

Staying active and engaged is beneficial for both physical and cognitive health, so its particularly important for people with dementia or Alzheimers disease to engage in daily activities. Some activities have proven to be particularly helpful for those with dementia, such as games, exercise and outdoor activities, and music and art, as well as maintaining day-to-day routines. Providing structure and routine for a person living with dementia helps to maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors. It also helps provide a sense of control over their day and their environment, especially for those in the early stages of the disease. For those in the end stage of dementia, many of these activities are often one of the few ways they can still engage their memories and communicate.

To help you keep your loved one busy and actively engaged in meaningful activities, here are 50 tips from caregivers, memory care facility administrators, dementia and Alzheimers experts, and others who have experience in working with those living with dementia. Keep in mind that everyone enjoys different activities, and you should try the activities that best fit your loved ones personality, needs, and situation. These 50 helpful daily activities are not listed in order of importance, but they are categorized to help you quickly find the activities best suited for your loved one.

Puzzles Board Games Sensory Games

Games can be a good way to introduce computers, as well as being an entertainment in themselves. They can be more intuitive if done on a tablet, but a desktop computer with mouse and keyboard can work too it will depend on the individual and their capabilities. Search for websites that offer free versions of traditional games such as:

  • Crosswords

There are also digital games which appeal to the senses and can engage with people with limited cognitive capacity. Many computers come preloaded with games. You can search online using a search engine such as Google for games related to a persons interests. Many games are free to access or download and most paid-for ones are low cost.

When downloading games, be aware of internet security issues. Get Safe Online provides useful advice.

Hints and tips for games activities

  • Try to avoid using websites that ask you to register personal details such as email addresses unless you trust them your address might be passed on to third parties and then you may receive loads of unwanted emails.
  • Read reviews of mainstream apps that work well for people with dementia at Memory apps for dementia.
  • In general, dont choose activities where there is a long delay between the user doing something and the outcome, or where the rules are complex.

It Creates A Sense Of Normalcy And Structure

Developing a routine is vital in the life of a person with dementia. As dementia progresses, individuals may begin to feel increasingly frustrated with the gradual loss of their cognitive abilities. This may cause undesirable behaviours such as restlessness, agitation, and even aggression in some cases.

While most forms of dementia are irreversible, these are some ways that games can slow down the decline of ones cognitive functions.

Read Also: What Causes Early Onset Dementia

Practical Tips For Keeping Active And Involved When You Have Dementia

Living with dementia doesnt mean you have to stop doing what you do now. However, you may need to make small changes to make things easier, safer or more comfortable for you.

Below are some tips to help if you feel worried about doing something or if it feels difficult. These tips may also be useful when starting any new activities.

Take things one step at a time Take things one step at a time.

Even tasks that seem simple, like having a bath, can be quite a complex process. Try to break the task down into smaller parts. For example, bathing involves:

  • running the water

What Can Game Playing Do For The Brain

Games for People with Alzheimer

One activity that might help keep the brain healthy is playing brain or memory games or even playing games in general. But the jury is still out on whether playing Alzheimers games can really have any impact on slowing cognitive decline. Most experts seem to agree that the games themselves cant really do much to change the biology of the disease or prevent the damaging effects Alzheimers has on the brain.

That said, there are potential cognitive benefits for those who play games, but the actual game you choose may be of little importance in the bigger picture.

Frank evidence for true reduction in cognitive decline is very minimal, says , the director of the Alzheimers Disease Research Center and a professor of psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Yet Dr. Sano believes you can potentially benefit in some ways from playing certain games.

They increase the opportunity to have more social interaction, Sano says, and this, more than the game itself, may contribute to quality of life and possibly less cognitive decline.

RELATED: How to Keep Your Brain Healthy: A Conversation With Sanjay Gupta, MD

Also Check: Can You Buy Jelly Drops For Dementia

Showing Films Using A Projector

You can use a projector screen to show old movies that residents are interested in. Popcorn can be given out when you have a chat after the movie. Its a good group experience and it stimulates people to talk and share ideas.

You can schedule broadcast radio and television programmes around an individuals preferences or for a group session. All the major broadcasters now have a version of the BBCs online iPlayer which lets you watch TV programmes or listen to radio shows online at a time that suits. Most programmes are available for some time after they are broadcast. Newer TVs may connect directly to online players.

There are also websites offering free movies. Here are a few examples:

  • RemArc, or Reminiscence Archive, is designed to help trigger memories in people with dementia using BBC Archive material as stimulation.
  • Talk Talk movies make a small charge
  • Search for these kinds of services in advance of any planned activity the internet can turn up things you dont expect!

    Fun Games For Seniors With Dementia Improve Quality Of Life

    1. DIY Skee-Ball gameThe basic idea of Skee-Ball is to roll a ball into a hole marked with a certain number of points. In our DIY game, well use large bowls and bean bags. Label the bowls with different points and throw the bean bags into the bowls to score points.

    This is a game that your older adult can play from a seated or standing position. This game is especially fun with grandchildren!

    Place the bowls anywhere in front of your older adult, they dont have to be arranged in the classic lineup. The goal is to make the game easy enough to be fun, but challenging enough so theyll feel satisfied with the points they score.

    Use anything handy for the bowls, either ones that you already have, inexpensive aluminum food trays found at grocery stores, or plastic bowls found at dollar stores. You could make DIY bean bags are simple to make heres how to sew them, make them without sewing, or where to buy a set.

    If you prefer, mark off large squares on the floor with removable painters tape, assign points, and toss bean bags into those areas to score points.

    2. Indoor chair golfIf your older adult used to love playing golf, an indoor putting mat is a great way to enjoy the sport again. They could putt sitting, like in the photo, or standing. They might already have golf balls and a putter, if not, get some inexpensive balls and putter.

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    What Types Of Games Are Good For Seniors With Dementia

    There are many types of games that are good for seniors with dementia. Some of the best include board games, card games, puzzles, and even video games.

    Board games can be a fun way to keep seniors engaged. Card and video games can also be very entertaining for seniors with dementia while keeping them mentally stimulated.

    For seniors who prefer solitary games, puzzles can be an excellent way for seniors to exercise their minds and hands.

    Ill show you some specific examples for each type later in this article.

    Tips For Choosing The Right Activities For Dementia Patients

    Do brain games help with dementia?
  • Relate activities to the patients work life or interests. A former office worker might enjoy activities that involve organizing, like putting coins in a holder, helping to assemble a mailing or making a to-do list. A former farmer or gardener may take pleasure in working in the yard. Activities, Alzheimers Association Twitter: @alzassociation
  • Avoid over-stimulation. Try not to overstimulate the person with dementia. Be selective with outings. Avoid crowds, constant movement and noise, which many people with dementia find overwhelming. Dementia – activities and exercise, BetterHealth Channel Twitter: @BetterHealthGov
  • Remember, activities include more than just planned activities. It is also important to understand that activities are not just planned activities. Activities can include life skills which means participating in their daily living skills. They are encouraged to help hold the tooth brush or wash cloth, or to choose an item of clothing. This could also include meal time activities. They could be encouraged to fold the napkins, set the table, clear the table, or wash the dishes. Also, allowing them to help with watering the plants, dusting, or folding the laundry. These are all activities and just as important as a game of bingo. Activity Ideas for Alzheimers/Dementia Residents, National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners Twitter: @NCCDP
  • Read Also: How To Make Alzheimer’s Patient Happy

    Games On Touchscreen Tablets

    Games on a tablet are a good way to introduce and encourage people to the different finger movements on a touchscreen tablet. You can begin by using simple games on tablets and adapt accordingly. Games like iFishPond, where you can touch the screen and make the water splash and you can go fishing as well, or Raindrops which plays musical notes or Fireworks that explode in colour. Things like this help introduce people to the touchscreen approach. You do not have to look for games that are specifically to do with memory or dementia. It can be much better to find out what peoples interests are and find a game that is appropriate to their capabilities.

    Case study: Using an iPad

    A gentleman aged 90 was visited by his six-year-old great grandson who showed him how to use an iPad. They began by using the iFishPond app and then moved on to playing with the Talking Tom Cat app It caused much laughter and enjoyment others enjoyed them laughing together.

    Games That Help Seniors With Dementia

    By Kimberly Miller 9 am on February 23, 2016

    As people age, it is natural for some memory loss to occur. However, some seniors may experience extreme memory loss and impairment due to dementia or brain diseases such as Alzheimers disease. Altamonte Springs Prestige Home Care understands that playing games can stimulate cognition and help seniors with dementia retain brain and memory function.

    Recommended Reading: How To Tell A Person They Have Dementia

    Take A Walk Outside To Sense Their Surroundings

    Taking a walk outside for those with dementia is hugely beneficial to their physical and mental health. A daily routine of walking around the facility or neighborhood can help them feel good about themselves and stay healthy.

    The list goes on for both reminiscent and therapeutic activities for people with dementia. But no matter what you do, make sure its something that wont trigger anxiety, fear, or pain for them.

    Always take things slow and make sure they are engaging in the activity otherwise, you can quickly pivot if you notice them getting agitated or confused. The key is consistency and patience.

    And if youre looking for an environment that facilitates therapy of all forms for dementia patients, reach out to Sunflower Communities today. Our calendar is full of activities and memory care for residents to ensure they get the attention and treatment they need. Contact us here to get started!

    Word Andtrivia Games For Elderly With Dementia

    Board Games for Dementia Patients

    Word games are the perfect option as theyencourage using multiplication and addition for the players to score thetop-ranked words. For trivia games, they are also the best since they enhance abit of a laugh and stimulate the minds of seniors with dementia. Here are thebest word and trivia games for the elderly with dementia.

    Also Check: How Early Can Dementia Be Diagnosed

    Features Of Our Conversation Game

    Do you have to have Dementia to play?The game is not just for Dementia patients – Call To Mind Board Game stimulates conversation and players can voice opinions and talk about what they like, it is a great way to get to know anyone in an easy, relaxed way.

    How long does a game last?Most players find that a 45-minute game works particularly well. However, people can play for as long as they like.

    Why is Call to Mind better than other board games for people with Dementia?Because it was designed and researched by Laura Templeton and a specialist team at University College London to help people living with Dementia both those with the diagnosis, and their families, friends and carers.

    How does the game benefit a person with Dementia?Playing Call to Mind can help people with Dementia in many mays. Most simply by helping them to connect with, and recall, positive memories. It can also make them feel less lonely, as the game helps spark conversations and so makes it easier for them to enjoy quality time with family, friends and caregivers, across all generations. The game can also boost the morale and self-esteem of someone with Dementia, particularly when other players show genuine interest in their opinions and experiences.

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    Games For People With Alzheimers Can Be Simple

    In 2007 I began researching Alzheimers sometime in 2007, trying to figure out what the disease was and why it effected a person the way it did. I was looking for scientific and medical publications as well as best-care practices. Early in my search I came across a study in the American Journal of Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementia. The authors reported that playing Bingo provides mental stimulation that is highly therapeutic for people with cognitive disorders. Individuals participating in the study who played Bingo performed significantly better on measures of cognition than participants who did not play. Staff members reported increases in alertness and awareness in the test subjects, and this effect lasted for hours after testing was complete.

    Bingo is an ideal game for many people with dementia. People of all ages enjoy playing it every day, so it certainly is age-appropriate. Bingo is easy to understand and play, so it is stage-specific for anyone except those in the very last stages of the disease. The familiar game requires that the person distinguish letters and numbers. Some Bingo variations require matching colors and shapes. Others might require one to recognize animals. Regardless of the scheme, Bingo stimulates the brain. That is why the study above found playing the game improved cognitive functioning.

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    Top Activities For People With Dementia

    Dementia is a complex disease that affects the mind and body. It robs people of their memories, sense of self, and eventually life. However, there is still hope for those with dementia through various therapies.

    Many activities can help improve the quality of life for those with dementia: from cognitive exercises like reading or puzzles to sensory exercises like knitting or crafts. People with dementia need as much stimulation as anyone else for both therapeutic purposes and improving their quality of life.

    Weve put together a great list of activities you can perform with people who have Alzheimers or other forms of dementia that can be as fun as they are beneficial.

    Boardgames For Elderly With Dementia

    Games to Play with a Dementia Patient

    Board games are the perfect activitiesthat every elderly with dementia needs to play. Dementia is a condition thatleads to other health issues, such as cognition and memory problems. However,the right board games contribute a lot in providing the right solution to theseissues.

    It is essential to choose a board gamethat the elderly individual will enjoy playing. For examples, you need to gofor striking or visibly colorful tabletop and board games. Remember to choosethe pieces that allow seniors with dementia to handle them with less hassle. Asa result, you need to go for the larger playing cards. So, which are the bestboard games for elderly with dementia? Worry no more! Here is the answer.

    Also Check: Are Hallucinations Common With Dementia

    Get Better Care For Your Loved One

    With the above games to play with dementia and Alzheimers patients, you can help your loved one keep their brain sharp. Also, consider the right memory care and assisted living. Olivenhain Guest Home provides care for senior citizens who may have special needs due to dementia, Alzheimers, or other conditions. Contact us today for more information.

    Music Games To Stimulate The Memory

    Music is one of the best ways of encouraging interaction in a group of people who suffer from dementia. It can be used for people with early stage dementia and less able persons in the advanced stage. People in general love to sing.

    There are many ways to use music for stimulating a persons mind. Just a good old sing along to their favorite tunes or a simple name that tune theme is one easy way to use music to stimulate the minds of dementia sufferers.

    Other ways could be a music quiz or even dancing statues. Simply asking the people in the group to freeze when the music stops. Or even encouraging them to pretend to play the instrument they can hear.

    Some of the benefits of playing games

    Using quizzes, puzzles and activity based games to stimulate the memory & stay active is important with people who suffer from dementia because

    • It allows you as the carer to gain a better understanding of how well the person can remember things. This then allows you to adopt games and puzzles to match their ability.
    • It stimulates the persons cognitive memory, giving them satisfaction, achievement and enjoyment.

    If you have any other great ways you could use fun activities and games to help your brain then please let us know your thoughts below.

    Also Check: What To Do With Dementia Patients

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