When you become the caregiver for a loved on with any kind of mental decline, the challenge of watching over them brings personal stress. This is actually true for both you and them. There are some thoughtful ways to add activities which will improve interactive times together and set in place many future memories.
Many patients whose brains are suffering will withdraw from pursuits that they once may have enjoyed. For this reason, it can be important for the caregiver to facilitate times and ways for these things to remain part of life for each person as long as possible. Wonderful activities for people with dementia are still possible, even when presented in shortened sessions or made more simple to do.
One top activity to choose is listening to music. Research conducted by Dr. Gottfield Schlaug at the Music and Neuroimaging Laboratory of the Harvard Medical School has shown that various kinds of brain injury may benefit from music therapy in ways previously not understood. Listening to music is shown to help develop the area of the brain responsible for creating new neural pathways after strokes. Some patients with dementia are able to sing songs learned decades earlier, even when they may not be able to speak much at all.
Strengthening eye and hand muscle coordination may be accomplished by simply tossing balls back and forth to each other. This is fun for many patients even if they cannot get out of bed. Rolling a ball across blankets for a bed ridden person can be as stimulating as for one who is able to play outside. The activity can be included with a nice scenery change if the patient can be taken to a garden or yard. Soft balls should be chosen as these are easy to grab and throw, with light weight that is more easily managed for those less strong.
Coloring pictures is a great thing to try. Choosing crayon colors allows each person to have a sense of control. Being able to express themselves creatively in an activity that is not demanding can be very soothing, evoking pleasant memories in some.
Anyone who can hold a camera, or a cell phone equipped with one, can enjoy an hour or so taking pictures. Looking through the lens to capture just the right image is a stimulating activity that keeps the brain working on a nice task. Encourage a loved one to take photos of everyone there. This is one of the best times for developing a family record of that individual and good times spent together.
Planting seeds is a great thing for those who love to garden. It does not matter whether this can be done outside or using containers inside. Simply digging in the dirt and placing each seed in the right spot will encourage physical activity and maintain fine motor coordination. As the seeds are nurtured and grow into plants, high delight often follows.
Loving memories are part of the baking process. Putting together an afternoon cookie baking session is one way to create some fun and revisit the sharing times which we all crave. Kneading and shaping dough into delicious treats can be followed by eating some of them together. All of these are good for both hands and hearts.
Many patients whose brains are suffering will withdraw from pursuits that they once may have enjoyed. For this reason, it can be important for the caregiver to facilitate times and ways for these things to remain part of life for each person as long as possible. Wonderful activities for people with dementia are still possible, even when presented in shortened sessions or made more simple to do.
One top activity to choose is listening to music. Research conducted by Dr. Gottfield Schlaug at the Music and Neuroimaging Laboratory of the Harvard Medical School has shown that various kinds of brain injury may benefit from music therapy in ways previously not understood. Listening to music is shown to help develop the area of the brain responsible for creating new neural pathways after strokes. Some patients with dementia are able to sing songs learned decades earlier, even when they may not be able to speak much at all.
Strengthening eye and hand muscle coordination may be accomplished by simply tossing balls back and forth to each other. This is fun for many patients even if they cannot get out of bed. Rolling a ball across blankets for a bed ridden person can be as stimulating as for one who is able to play outside. The activity can be included with a nice scenery change if the patient can be taken to a garden or yard. Soft balls should be chosen as these are easy to grab and throw, with light weight that is more easily managed for those less strong.
Coloring pictures is a great thing to try. Choosing crayon colors allows each person to have a sense of control. Being able to express themselves creatively in an activity that is not demanding can be very soothing, evoking pleasant memories in some.
Anyone who can hold a camera, or a cell phone equipped with one, can enjoy an hour or so taking pictures. Looking through the lens to capture just the right image is a stimulating activity that keeps the brain working on a nice task. Encourage a loved one to take photos of everyone there. This is one of the best times for developing a family record of that individual and good times spent together.
Planting seeds is a great thing for those who love to garden. It does not matter whether this can be done outside or using containers inside. Simply digging in the dirt and placing each seed in the right spot will encourage physical activity and maintain fine motor coordination. As the seeds are nurtured and grow into plants, high delight often follows.
Loving memories are part of the baking process. Putting together an afternoon cookie baking session is one way to create some fun and revisit the sharing times which we all crave. Kneading and shaping dough into delicious treats can be followed by eating some of them together. All of these are good for both hands and hearts.
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