Organizing fun activities for a loved one with Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be intimidating. Although there are safety concerns to consider, keep in mind that your loved one still wants the opportunity to participate and succeed in their daily life. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your time together.
Incorporate old hobbies
Sometimes caregivers assume a loved one is no longer interested in a favorite activity when they become physically or mentally less capable of engagement. However, hearing a few bars from an old favorite can ignite fond memories and feelings of well-being. If your companion used to be an amateur musician or enjoyed listening to music, try taking them to a concert or vintage music shop. If going out is not an option, purchase or download a few special songs just for them. Consider their life-long hobbies and see if you can introduce similar activities or simplified undertakings of what they used to do.
Consider their social habits
A common result of Alzheimer’s and dementia can be social isolation. For example, a person who once loved attending parties might slowly retreat into their home due to grief or confusion. Caregivers are encouraged to make sure their companion’s psychological needs continue to me met through regular, appropriate social interaction. But before jumping into a gathering or outing, pay attention to whether they seem more comfortable spending time in groups or one-on-one. A trip to the zoo can be enjoyable for one person but trigger anxiety in another.
Be patient and do not force things
Try to remain calm if your loved one rejects your idea or expresses anger; some people have a hard time dealing with their emerging limitations. The fact is it can be painful for someone who was an athlete to pass by a field they can no longer play on. To continue to engage their bodies and their mind, try introducing new activities like simple tai chi moves, tossing or kicking a ball, or maybe a totally different type of pastime like painting.
Focus on fun
Finally, with any activity you choose, make sure you focus on enjoyment rather than achievement and remain flexible. Fluctuating attention spans, moods or medications can all affect what your companion is willing and able to do that day. Should your original schedule not work out, always have a Plan B and remember that the simplest activities can be the most meaningful.
For more exciting ideas, visit www.alz.org.