Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].
Q: I want to keep my loved one with memory loss safe during this pandemic, but being at home all the time is both stressful and boring. What sort of activities can we do together that will help pass the time and make this time together an opportunity to build happy memories?
A: Who knew that being in a pandemic could be so – dare we say it – boring? Being cooped up at home can make the best of us go a little stir crazy, which is stressful in and of itself. Now, add the uncertainty and stress we’re experiencing now – it can feel a bit overwhelming at times. But please don’t fret. Even in times of stress and uncertainty, there are many things we can do to help our loved ones with dementia feel calm, safe and secure. One of the best ways to do that is through activities that engage the mind and body and help all of us take our minds off of the situation at hand for a little while.
As a caregiver of a loved one with dementia, your life already has a certain amount of stress. Too much stress can become overwhelming, and it ends up affecting the lives of all those around you – including your loved one. Our loved ones with dementia are able to pick up on our emotions and feelings, even if they may not completely understand what’s going on. That’s why taking steps to reduce stress during difficult times helps everyone have a better quality of life.
Here are some easy yet effective stress-relieving activities you can do with your loved one to help lower blood pressure, reduce any anxiety or other behaviors and even make some happy memories together. Remember, anything that you enjoy can be a good stress-reliever – all you have to do is be a little creative and go with the flow.
Exercise. Physical activity is one of Mother Nature’s best stress relievers. Getting your blood pumping and working up a sweat releases endorphins, reduces the amount of stress hormones in your body, helps clear your mind and boosts your mood.
- Since the weather’s getting nicer, try to get out and walk around the block – while remembering to maintain safe social distancing – or perform some light yardwork in your backyard. You’ll get some vitamin D plus the antibacterial properties of fresh air.
- Burn off some energy by cleaning the house or organizing a room together. You’ll get something accomplished while also getting your daily dose of exercise.
Create a piece of art. Arts and crafts can be excellent activities for those with dementia because they can be easily adapted to meet your loved one’s remaining abilities. One particularly enjoyable activity is flower arranging. You can pick flowers in your garden or purchase some bouquets from the grocery store on your next trip and spend an afternoon creating beautiful vases of joy that can be placed around your house or delivered to a neighbor’s or family member’s porch.
Read together. Reading has been proven in various studies to reduce stress levels by distracting our minds from what’s going on around us, engaging our thoughts and bringing our full attention to bear. Think of it like a mini-vacation of the mind. Choose an old favorite of your loved one, or look for a classic that’s always brought you joy. This is a great full-family activity for readers of any age.
Bake, bake and bake some more. Have you heard about the phenomenon of “distractibaking?” This catchy and trendy phrase is nothing more than the act of baking to help take your mind off what’s going on (something that many of us have done without having a cute catchphrase attached). Baking is a wonderful activity for people with dementia because it involves all the senses: taste, touch, smell, sight and sound. Choose a favorite recipe and have your loved one help as much as possible.
Do anything outside. Enjoy lunch on the porch, blow bubbles, plant container gardens of herbs, put together a puzzle, listen to your favorite melodies – do whatever you’d like to do, but do it outside in the sun and fresh air as weather permits. Being outside is a natural stress reliever and makes everything feel like it’s going to be okay, even if the news is predicting doom and gloom.
Although you may be worried about COVID-19, the health of your loved one (and yourself, and the rest of your family) and what the rest of 2020 holds, I encourage you to take a deep breath, focus on what’s happening in front of you and smile … really. This too shall pass. By practicing healthy habits and incorporating stress-relieving activities into your daily life, you can make memorable moments during this time that you can reminisce about for years to come.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.
We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.
Inspiration for Success
At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents each and every day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.