Caring for someone with any form of dementia is hard. It is especially difficult when you are the caretaker for a loved one. You see them begin to lose memories and mental acuity. Struggling with the disease makes most patients angry, agitated, and stressed. You may not be able to completely relieve the anxiety a loved one is feeling, but you could try some activities that have been shown to provide calming sensory therapy for dementia patients.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
Finger painting is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to express themselves and increase their dexterity a little as the same time. You can purchase finger paints for a few dollars in the arts and crafts section of a big box store or make your own. If you decide to make the paint yourself, you will need cornstarch, food coloring, gelatin, and some water.
Kids love to sort coins, and this is an occupation your Alzheimer's patient might like as well. If you are in the habit of emptying your pockets at night and dumping loose change in a coin jar, you won't need much else in the way of supplies. You can add some glass bowls around the jar, and ask the patient to help you sort out your coins by placing pennies, dimes, and quarters together.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
There are plenty of healthy adults who love popping bubble wrap. It often fascinates those with dementia as well. This is an activity the patient can do sitting in front of the television to occupy her hands. Bubble wrap is not expensive. You will find the rolls at big box and office supply stores.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
Finger painting is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to express themselves and increase their dexterity a little as the same time. You can purchase finger paints for a few dollars in the arts and crafts section of a big box store or make your own. If you decide to make the paint yourself, you will need cornstarch, food coloring, gelatin, and some water.
Kids love to sort coins, and this is an occupation your Alzheimer's patient might like as well. If you are in the habit of emptying your pockets at night and dumping loose change in a coin jar, you won't need much else in the way of supplies. You can add some glass bowls around the jar, and ask the patient to help you sort out your coins by placing pennies, dimes, and quarters together.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
There are plenty of healthy adults who love popping bubble wrap. It often fascinates those with dementia as well. This is an activity the patient can do sitting in front of the television to occupy her hands. Bubble wrap is not expensive. You will find the rolls at big box and office supply stores.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about sensory therapy for dementia patients, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.vizuallyspeaking.ca now.
