When you’re sequestered in your home and social distancing, the world can feel very small indeed. But thanks to the wonders of the Internet, you can open up a whole new world of virtual possibility. These days, it seems like there are new and amazing activities springing up across the digital landscape … and many of them are perfect for seniors with memory loss.
“The virtual space can be a wonderful tool for seniors with cognitive diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss,” says Jeanie Ricci, Senior Advisor at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, located in Norwalk, CT. “Since social distancing procedures remain in effect for this age group, the virtual world is an easy and safe way for them to connect, engage, reminisce and find fulfillment.”
“Our mission is always to find ways for our senior loved ones to have meaningful moments and connect with their friends and loved ones,” says Jeanie. “Our life enrichment team has had so much fun incorporating different technologies into the lives of our residents. It’s been great watching them blossom and find opportunities to laugh and play.”
Here are some great activities to engage seniors with memory loss … without ever having to leave home.
1. Online coloring books.
Coloring is a popular activity among young and old, and it’s very soothing and enjoyable for people with dementia as well. You can always sit down and color in real life with crayons, pencils and a coloring book, but if you don’t have any of those handy, you can direct your loved one to various online coloring sites where you use a touchscreen device to tap and fill in spaces with the colors you select. Best of all, there’s no mess to clean up – and it’s easy to save and print masterpieces to hang up.
2. Virtual jigsaw puzzles.
Puzzles are always an enjoyable activity, but sometimes it can be hard for those in the later stages of the disease to manipulate the pieces. Enter online jigsaw puzzles. The best thing about these is that there’s a wide range of styles and levels to choose from. You can even find sites that allow you to turn old photos into puzzles, which can spark conversation and memories for seniors while they’re doing the activity.
3. Funny videos.
What makes your loved one smile? What makes them happy? Whatever you can think of, head to YouTube, tap in the subject, and voila – you’ll instantly have a range of funny or favorite videos to play. The website has a large range of options, including old sports games, TV shows, music … whatever your loved one’s interest, you’ll find plenty of choices.
4. Mind games.
Brain teasers and mental exercises are excellent for people in the early stages of dementia because they can help them maintain cognitive abilities as much as possible. However, research has shown that these activities are helpful at any stage of dementia because it’s an essential part of overall health. There are countless games online or on apps these days of varying levels of difficulty – some that are even designed specifically for those with dementia. Best of all? Many of them are free.
5. Concerts and music performances.
Music is a wonderful connector for those with dementia – in fact, music plays a huge role in everyday life at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk. Besides making music together or playing favorite albums, you can now stream live or pre-recorded concerts, plays, operas, ballets and other performances, transforming a so-so night into a night on the town. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has been offering recordings of their concerts free of charge on their website, as are a variety of public radio and television stations. For those who enjoy the Great White Way, BroadwayHD offers a seven-day free trial, allowing you to watch performances of favorite Broadway shows.
6. Animal cameras.
Zoos may be closed to the public, but you can still get up close and personal with your favorite animals thanks to live cams across the country. Perhaps the most famous stream comes from the San Diego Zoo, where you can tune in to see koalas, hippos, pandas, polar bears and more. Many other zoos are also offering online experiences, so do an online search and see what pops up. It’s possible that your local zoo may be offering online visits, too.
7. Museum tours.
Many museums and landmarks, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Detroit Institute of Arts and a variety of other acclaimed places are offering virtual walkthroughs of their halls and exhibits. For those who enjoy art but don’t always want to spend an entire day walking around on hard marble floors, this is a spectacular way to see everything you want without wearing yourself out. (And it’s great for seniors, who may not be able to physically travel to faraway places.)
8. Connecting with others.
At the heart of all our favorite memories are the people we care about. Seniors with memory loss thrive on the connection with their friends and family members, even if they may not always remember who they are. It’s never been easier than now to call or video chat with your senior loved one living in a community or at home. Thanks to the preponderance of smartphones, tablets and computers, and a variety of online apps like Zoom, Skype and FaceTime, seniors and their loved ones can easily connect, see each other, say hi and share meaningful moments … even across the digital expanse.
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
Purposeful Community Design
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Contact us today to learn more.