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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 activities that seem to fascinate the very young are also effective with aging Alzheimer's patients. All of them involve items you probably already have in your pantry or cabinets. If not, you can pick them up inexpensively at dollar and big box stores. One game involves a plastic bag filled with water beads and small plastic objects for the individual to 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.
If you already have a coin jar, you could create a pleasant pastime for your loved one. It might make her feel useful at the same time. You just place some glass bowls around the coin jar, and ask the patient to separate the coins from the jar into the bowls.
A loop board is a good activity that requires some dexterity. You will need a board, screw eyes, and cord. If you want you might decorate the board with painted images to make the activity more challenging. Your loved one may need some help to get the cord through the screw eyes to replicate the painted 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.
If you're a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, or just planning to visit a person with dementia, you need an arsenal of simple tools that soothe and comfort. Simple, childhood games are at least as effective as more complicated and expensive recreational activities. Anything that helps a loved one relax, and might trigger pleasant memories, is worth the effort.
Sometimes activities that seem to fascinate the very young are also effective with aging Alzheimer's patients. All of them involve items you probably already have in your pantry or cabinets. If not, you can pick them up inexpensively at dollar and big box stores. One game involves a plastic bag filled with water beads and small plastic objects for the individual to 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.
If you already have a coin jar, you could create a pleasant pastime for your loved one. It might make her feel useful at the same time. You just place some glass bowls around the coin jar, and ask the patient to separate the coins from the jar into the bowls.
A loop board is a good activity that requires some dexterity. You will need a board, screw eyes, and cord. If you want you might decorate the board with painted images to make the activity more challenging. Your loved one may need some help to get the cord through the screw eyes to replicate the painted 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.
If you're a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, or just planning to visit a person with dementia, you need an arsenal of simple tools that soothe and comfort. Simple, childhood games are at least as effective as more complicated and expensive recreational activities. Anything that helps a loved one relax, and might trigger pleasant memories, is worth the effort.
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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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