Hobbies For People With Dementia

September 6, 2022

0

Folding Laundry And Socks

Elk Grove Dementia TikTok Goes Viral

Another activity that can help with dexterity is folding laundry or socks. This task requires fine motor skills, which are often severely impaired in dementia patients, but it also helps boost their mood and gives them a sense of purpose while allowing them to clean their own space and feel accomplished.

Include Enjoyable Sensory Experiences

Some sensory experiences that the person with dementia might like include:

enjoying a hand, neck or foot massage
brushing their hair
smelling fresh flowers or pot pourri
using essential oils and fragrances
stroking an animal or differently textured materials
visiting a herb farm or a flower show
rummaging in a box containing things that the person has been interested in.

Ways To Adapt Hobbies To Match Dementia Abilities

Changes in abilities that come with dementia can make it hard to continue with activities and hobbies. Focusing on how to change the activity so that it is enjoyable can reduce agitation and anxiety.

The first priority for enjoying a hobby is safety. Neither you, your parent or senior loved one is having fun if you are spending the day in the Emergency Room.

Here are some tips on modifying common hobbies to make them more enjoyable and safer for you and a person with dementia:

Recommended Reading: Does Cooking With Aluminum Foil Cause Alzheimer’s

What Does Having Dementia Mean

Dementia is a condition resulting in the loss of cognitive function beyond the mental decline of normal aging.

Like most people, youve probably heard of Alzheimers disease, which is the most common cause of dementia. About 60-80% of people with dementia have Alzheimers. The next most common type is vascular dementia, which makes up about 10% of cases.

Dementia symptoms vary between individuals and dementia types. However, the characteristic of dementia is that the symptoms impact your daily life:

Common Symptoms of Dementia
Loss of coordination	Reduced mobility and balance

Although the loss of cognitive decline can be devastating, it doesnt mean you cant do anything. On the contrary, there are many hobbies that people with dementia can and should enjoy. And, theyll ensure you stay active mentally and physically.

As you may be aware, dementia symptoms become progressively worse over time. But even then, its essential to continue with hobbies. You may need help from carers to do so, but staying engaged can improve wellbeing and quality of life.

With that very much in mind, here are 9 great hobbies for elderly folks with dementia.

Tips For Choosing The Right Activities For Dementia Patients

Hobbies That Can Benefit a Senior Who Has 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: What Kind Of Disorder Is Dementia

How To Be The Best Dementia Or Alzheimer’s Caregiver You Can Be

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult for both the person with the condition and their caregivers. As caregivers ourselves, we know how important it is for you to do everything you can to make sure your loved one is comfortable and safe. Here are some tips on how to be the best dementia or Alzheimer’s caregiver you can be.

> > > Breaking: Scientist Finds 1 Way To Fix Alzheimer And Memory Loss

A doctor will perform a physical exam to evaluate your mental processes. He or she will also ask you about any medications youre currently taking and any stressful situations youre facing. Your memory loss provider may also ask you about your symptoms and ask you to take notes on how youre feeling. The doctor may recommend that you get an appointment with a neuropsychologist. A neuropsychologist can help you figure out the best way to treat your memory loss.

A doctor will conduct a physical exam to determine the exact cause of your memory loss. He or she will also ask you about your medical history and whether youve experienced other forms of memory loss. After your medical history, your provider will discuss your options for treatment. If youre experiencing severe symptoms of memory loss, you should seek out a professional. It will help you get the right kind of care for your specific situation. So, take action today.

A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to assess the condition of your memory. He or she will ask you about your family and friends and any medications youre taking. Once he or she has established the root cause, a proper treatment will be given. If you have a mild form of memory loss, you can still function independently and perform everyday tasks. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need to see a medical professional.

Also Check: What Are All The Different Types Of Dementia

Let Our Care Assessment Guide You

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.

Think back or ask relatives and friends about your loved ones passions and strengths. Then, encourage them to do similar things.

Try knitting or crochetPut a homemade quilt or skein of yarn in your aging relatives hands. Let them feel the weight of the quilt and the scratchiness of the yarn. They may still be able to crochet or knit a little bit, even if they have serious memory or cognitive deficits.

Experiment with soundsIf your relative with dementia was a musician or loved music, introduce simple instruments or sing-alongs. For seniors with mild cognitive decline, musical ability might outlast other memory functions. For those with more advanced impairment, nursery rhymes, maracas, and tambourines can still encourage creative expression.

Encourage visual expressionPainting and drawing are ways to express feelings safely and with creativity. Encourage using bold, bright colors on big surfaces. Rolls of butcher paper enable seniors with dementia to create without encountering the stress of defined spaces.

Create sensory experiences with tactile craftsWorking with slippery clay or malleable play-dough is a way for seniors with cognitive decline to benefit from tactile stimulation and creativity. Gewirtz suggests feeling a variety of objects with different shapes, sizes, and textures, as well as rubbing hands in lotion.

For Any Activity Remember To Be Patient

How to increase activity for someone with dementia

No matter what activity you are engaging in, try to be patient. It may take the person with Alzheimers or another dementia longer to complete activities. Or they may not be able to accomplish things they used to do. If the person seems agitated, consider whether any activity is needed. Building in quiet times by just sitting together can be rewarding, too.

Don’t Miss: What Is Sundowning In A Dementia Patient

Puzzles And Games Can Help Keep The Mind Sharp

Dementia and Alzheimers are characterized by a decline of cognitive function. Your loved one may have trouble remembering people. They may not know what happened yesterday.

Over time, they may be less engaged in activities they used to love. They might withdraw from conversations because they feel overwhelmed.

Activities that demand focus and problem-solving, such as puzzles, can slow this decline. Puzzles and crosswords engage seniors critical thinking skills. Games for seniors might ask them to problem-solve or plan.

Memory games can be particularly helpful. They keep your loved one using their memory skills.

Games can also be a great way to socialize. Social interaction helps keep conversational skills sharp and staves off depression.

Visit The Dementia Resource Centre

The Dementia Resource Centre in Peterborough is a fantastic local point of call. Run by the Alzheimers Society, there are a range of activities held on a weekly basis, which offer an opportunity for people with Dementia to socialise and have fun, whilst also providing some respite and companionship for carers. Theres something to suit every taste: typical group sessions include chair yoga, knit & knatter, current affairs and mens or ladies activity groups.

Sessions run at this centre are ideal for those acclimatising to life with Dementia or as a carer, as they are designed to be accessible for all. Some sessions run for a set period of weeks, so its worth making enquiries to find out whats available for you to join.

Also Check: Alzheimer’s Disease In Women

Evidence That Dance Is Beneficial For Elderly Folks With Dementia

A study from 2011 found that dance benefits elderly people with dementia on several fronts. It wasnt limited to the physical movement that participants enjoyed. But they also saw emotional and cognitive improvements.

The dance sessions in the study involved circle dancing. Thats a traditional community-based dance that promotes social and physical interaction. The basis of a circle dance is that the participants in the circle move together to the music. The emphasis is on moving with the music rather than on precision in the moves.

So, touching and handholding are an essential part of the experience. Thats what gives a sense of togetherness and belonging.

This kind of dance is also perfect for self-expression. As long as you move, it doesnt really matter if you end up doing your own thing.

Thats why participants in the study were free to improvise as they wished. Such spontaneous movement is a great way for elderly people with dementia to communicate. As youve read above, verbal communication is often difficult.

My Father Lives With Me And He Can Skype My Sister The Extra Visual Dimension Adds A Lot For Him

Amazon.com: Active Minds Link & Think Hobbies

– Daughter of a person living with dementia

Culture Culture.

Watching videos, films and TV shows, or listening to music or podcasts, can be enjoyable ways to explore your personal interests. They can also help you to remember things that you have enjoyed in the past. For example, you can:

watch films or television shows old and new
listen to your favourite songs or find new ones
find video clips on of places that you have visited or hobbies you enjoy
find podcasts about subjects, places and pastimes that you like
read short stories and articles that interest you.

Smart devices and virtual assistants Smart devices and virtual assistants.

Smart devices and virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri can also help you to stay active and involved at home.

You can use your voice to give commands and ask questions. For example, you can tell them to:

play music or a particular radio station
check the weather or the news
remind you to take medication or go to an appointment.

If you have or would like a device but are not sure how to set it up, try asking a friend or family member to help you.

Games Puzzles And Around The Home Activities For Dementia Patients

Listen to music. A universally soothing activity, listening to music from their past will help them remember the good times associated with the music. Not sure how music ties into memory? Just think do you remember how you learned the alphabet? – 15 Best Activities for Alzheimers Patients at Home, By Your Side Home Care Twitter: @ByYourSideHmCre

Sort and match up nuts and bolts, or tighten screws. Was your loved one the fixer, the handyman, or the go-to guy? Maybe hed like to sort through and match up nuts and bolts, or tighten screws into pieces of wood. Perhaps hed like to connect smaller PVC pipes together. There are also activity boards with lots of to do things attached that you can purchase. – Esther Heerema, MSW, Creative Activities Ideas for People with Dementia, Verywell Health Twitter: @Verywell

Create a memory bag. Fill the bag with items reminiscent of their late teens/early twenties. Scented products work well for this, as scents are strongly tied to memory. Try including soap, perfumes and aftershave, or holiday scents like gingerbread, pine and peppermint. – Activities for Dementia Patients, A Place for Mom Twitter: @APlaceforMom

Help with clean-up around the home. Instead of automatically tidying up the home, encourage dementia patients to assist with the clean-up. Doing so may increase their sense of purpose. – 10 Activities for People Living with Dementia or Alzheimers Disease, Compassionate Care

Singing For The Brain

Singing for the Brain is also run by the Dementia Resource Centre, but deserves a special mention on its own because singing has been proven to have such a positive effect on people with Dementia and their carers. These sessions begin with gentle movement activities, followed by informal singing sessions that are enjoyable and stimulating for people with Dementia. They offer a relaxed environment in which to share an activity together and meet like-minded people.

You May Like: Alzheimer’s Association Orange County

How Hobbies Improve Lives

Studies have shown that enjoying a hobby reduces the risk of depression, improves physical health and increases socialization. Having Alzheimers does not mean that a person with dementia can no longer enjoy familiar and new activities.

Ken Dychtwald, CEO of Age Wave, reported to the Wall Street Journal that seniors have up to 7 ½ hours of leisure time in a day but they have no idea how to fill the time.

Hobbies can help fill that time, reduce stress and slow down a decline in memory and thinking skills in a person with dementia.

The Alzheimers Association says that physical activities improve brain health by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain. The National Institute on Aging states that engaging in creative activities can also improve creativity, memory and problem-solving skills.

The greatest reason to enjoy your hobby is that it is fun. Fun is what makes us happy and participating in a hobby gives you something to look forward to and a topic to talk about.

West & Willow Modern Custom Pet Portrait

The importance of a dementia inclusive community

West and Willow

Some of our best memories come in the form of furry friends. Whether they are a current or past pet owner, a custom pet portrait will keep them surrounded by puppy love 24/7 and remind them of great memories. Gift your loved one with the most gorgeous custom, gallery-quality pet art for a surprisingly reasonable cost. All you need to do is submit a few photos of the cat or dog in question and soon after you will receive your work of art, printed on gallery-quality paper and framed in the color of your choice.

Also Check: How Is The Body Affected By Alzheimer’s

Senior Services Of America Offers Resident

Whether you are currently looking for memory care for a loved one or are preparing for the future, Senior Services of America is ready to assist you.

Our senior living facilities range from independent living communities to memory care facilities. Our goal is to support you and your loved ones unique needs in any way we can.

Senior Services of America is here to be part of your care team in your loved ones journey. Find your nearest community to see how we can assist you with navigating this important part of life.

Activity Ideas For People With Dementia Outside The Home

Being outside can benefit your health in many ways, including lowering stress, increasing your mood and improving your overall wellbeing.

Outside activities range from walking in nature to shopping or attending community events. Its important to choose what you enjoy and there is lots of support available to help you to do this.

You may feel less confident about going out after your diagnosis. However, there are things that can help you feel prepared and supported. For example:

You could also speak with your GP about social prescribing. This is a way for health professionals to refer people to community-based support and activities.

Don’t Miss: Does Bill Clinton Have Dementia

Take A Virtual Tour Of The Kensington Sierra Madre

How quickly do you need to find an option?
How quickly do you need to find an option?*

Is assistance needed due to a hospital or rehab stay, or as a result of dementia?
Is assistance needed due to a hospital or rehab stay, or as a result of dementia?*

What is your preferred payment option?
What is your preferred payment option?*
Long Term Care Insurance

What is your preferred method of contact?
What is your preferred method of contact?*

Let us know how to contact you.
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, Max. file size: 120 MB.

Encourage An Emotional Connection

For many people with dementia, a sense of movement and rhythm is often retained. Listening to music, dancing, or contact with babies, children or animals provide positive feelings. People with dementia often have excellent memories of past events, and looking through old photos, memorabilia and books can help the person to recall earlier times.The opportunity to relive treasured moments can be deeply satisfying. If reading skills have deteriorated, make recordings for them. Locate picture books and magazines in the persons areas of interest.

Previous articleSamuel L Jackson Alzheimer’s

Next articleIs Hearing Loss Related To Dementia