We often say that dementia may change how a person acts, but it doesn’t change who a person is. We all have the desire to live happy, joyful, meaningful lives, and that desire doesn’t go away when a person develops dementia. Unfortunately, creating moments of joy for a loved one with dementia often falls to the bottom of the list when a caregiver is trying to juggle everything else that needs to be done.
It’s very easy for caregivers to get stuck in a tedious routine for both themselves and their loved ones because there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. While taking care of basic needs is incredibly important, it’s just as important to make sure emotional and mental needs are being met. By actively choosing to incorporate enrichment as part of a care plan, everyone’s quality of life will improve significantly.
Defining Enrichment for Individuals with Alzheimer’s
What defines an “enriching activity?” The answer is dependent on the person’s interests, history and abilities. As a caregiver, you want to select activities and events that your loved one will enjoy even with their changing abilities.
This can be difficult at times, especially if you look back and what your loved one used to be able to do (and enjoy doing). However, keep this in mind: your loved one still wants to do things for him or herself, and still wants to be included in activities with you. By providing meaningful activities, you’re providing a boost of self-esteem and the opportunity to be successful, which has a positive effect on an individual’s mental health.
Tips for Creating Days Filled with Joy and Meaning
Activities don’t have to be arts and crafts every day. Something as simple as having your loved one help fold clothes or make dinner with you can be enough to create purpose and enrich a day. Don’t forget about the importance of interacting with other people as well – social stimulation is an enjoyable activity in and of itself. You may want to look in your community for places your loved one can get the social stimulation he or she needs. For example, an adult day care at a nearby memory care community would be an excellent activity a few days a week – and would give you back some hours in your day.
Another great way to find meaningful activities is by thinking of things your loved one knows how to do or loved to do in the past. Perhaps she enjoyed knitting but hasn’t been able to do so in a while. Although she may no longer be able to knit a complex shawl, she might get enjoyment out of simple spool knitting or a toy where she threads wool through various holes.
Things to remember:
- Keep it simple – activities that have just a few steps (less than three) are best.
- Your loved one will make mistakes – just stay calm and don’t get upset. In the end, it’s the act of doing that’s important, not the accuracy.
- You may need to try out several activities before you find ones that your loved one enjoys, so don’t get frustrated if a little trial and error is involved.
- Remember that each person is unique, and what works for one individual with dementia might not work for another.
- It may take some (or a lot) of encouragement to get your loved one to participate in the task at first. If he or she is getting agitated or you’re getting frustrated, back off and try again later.
- Pay attention to how your loved one reacts to the various activities and adjust your approach as needed.
- Evaluate, learn and revise: look back on each interaction and learn and revise your approach as needed.
Ideas for simplifying activities:
As your loved one’s dementia progresses, you’ll need to further simplify activities in order for him or her to be able to accomplish them. Here are some ideas of how to adapt activities so your loved one can still enjoy the spirit of them:
- Does he love reading? When he can no longer read on his own, he may enjoy being read to or simply looking at pictures.
- A lifelong gardener may progress to cutting flowers, to simple tasks like weeding and watering to watching the birds and bunnies.
- A cycling hobbyist may enjoy taking a spin around the block on his own two feet.
- A musician may progress to singing along to music or simply listening quietly.
- Helping prepare dinner may progress to setting out silverware, folding napkins and putting out the salt and pepper.
Remember: It’s Time Together That Counts
The old saying “it’s the thought that counts” is important to remember as you’re developing activities for your loved one with dementia. It’s not so much what you’re doing that matters… it’s the fact that you’re actually doing something, and engaging and involving your loved one. The end result of the activity doesn’t really matter. What matters is the time spent together.
Personalized Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH’s highly specialized, resident-centered BRIDGES® program is a positive, uplifting approach to memory care and wellness that focuses on a resident’s current skills and abilities, not on those that have been lost to dementia.
Each programming plan is as unique as the resident it serves, requiring all Bridges® team members to take an active interest in getting to know each resident on a personal level. Then, accounting for a particular resident’s preferences, interests, needs and abilities, we customize the most efficient blend of expert-recommended care, exercises, activities and communication techniques in order to connect with the individual, encourage their involvement in daily life and create happy, meaningful moments.
Intimate Environment
Bridges® by EPOCH communities feature distinct households, each with its own spacious common areas.
Each household has a home-like look and feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security and comfort for our residents and their families. While furnishings are provided, we encourage families to furnish their loved ones’ suites with favorite possessions from home to help them feel at home.
Featuring stunning residential design that complements the surrounding community, every inch of the interior is designed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.
Contact us today to learn more.