What Creative Activities Can Help Alzheimer’s Patients at Home?
Alzheimer’s patients can sometimes find it difficult to find the right activities on their own, particularly in the later stages of the illness. Alzheimer’s care providers can help by structuring days with activities that are not only cognitively stimulating, but that also help to improve overall well-being and quality of life.
These activities are easier for Alzheimer’s patients when they have someone there to guide them and help them to stay on task.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is tremendously helpful for people dealing with all sorts of illnesses. For patients with Alzheimer’s disease, music can be a way to connect with the people around them because they may still be able to respond to music in a positive way. This is true even in the later stages of the illness. There are lots of ways to incorporate music therapy into a daily routine for Alzheimer’s patients. The easiest way is to simply play music that the patient enjoys and responds to. Creating music or associating specific music with specific activities can also be helpful.
Reminiscence Therapy
This type of activity involves helping Alzheimer’s patients to recall past memories and experiences. Reminiscence therapy helps patients to reconnect with their past and hopefully retain some of their unique identity. Creating memory books and scrapbooks together is one way for family caregivers to help seniors with this type of treatment. Using mementos, photos, and anything else that has a personal significance for the Alzheimer’s patient can really help.
Art Therapy
Any type of art can be used in art therapy, and it doesn’t have to be formal, either. Painting, drawing, making collages, and even engaging in fiber crafts are all ways to use art to reach people with Alzheimer’s disease. Art is the key to allowing self-expression and promoting creativity, and it’s easy for just about anyone to create art. This type of activity is easy for seniors to do with Alzheimer’s care providers offering simple instructions and helping with setup and cleanup.
Exercise
Movement and physical activity is so important for people with Alzheimer’s disease because it helps them to maintain muscle tone, mobility, and helps with both cognitive function and mood. For Alzheimer’s patients with a habit of wandering, exercise can help to burn off some of that excess energy. The exercise doesn’t have to be intense or complicated. Going for walks, engaging in stretching or yoga, and even dancing can all be effective and helpful.
Cooking and Baking
People with Alzheimer’s might also find it therapeutic to cook and bake at home. Alzheimer’s care providers can help with the more complicated aspects of these tasks, but measuring ingredients, mixing batters, and stirring while cooking can all help Alzheimer’s patients to feel a sense of accomplishment. These activities are also stimulating on a sensory level, which keeps the brain engaged. Simple recipes that are old favorites can be helpful, too.
Alzheimer’s patients do better in general when they’re able to stay busy and engage in activities that are stimulating on multiple levels. Moving more, listening to music, creating art, and even cooking can all be ways to keep someone with Alzheimer’s engaged in the world around them.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING ALZHEIMER’S CARE IN LOS ALTOS, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969
