It's difficult to watch a loved one struggle with dementia, whether it is Alzheimer's or some other form of the disease. As these individuals begin to lose their memories, and the ability to function effectively, many become agitated, stressed, and angry. The internet is full of suggested activities that provide soothing sensory therapy for dementia patients.
Sometimes the simplest activities, the ones you enjoy playing with very little children, can create hours of pleasure for those with Alzheimer's. You do not have to spend much money putting them together. Most of the items needed you will find in your kitchen drawers or garage. What you can't find you can pick up for a few dollars. For one game all you need is a plastic bag, water beads, and small objects for the person to try and identify.
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 good way to get patients in the mood to express themselves. It might help with dexterity as well. Finger paints come in packages of several colors and are not expensive. You can even make your own with some gelatin, food coloring, cornstarch, and water. You'll need some butcher paper, which comes on rolls, and is easy to find.
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 that requires some dexterity. You will need a board, screw eyes, and cord. If you want you might decorate the board with painted images to make the activity more challenging. Your loved one may need some help to get the cord through the screw eyes to replicate the painted design.
Popping bubble wrap is something that fascinates a lot of perfectly healthy adults. You might be surprised at how engrossed an Alzheimer's patient can get just sitting and popping the plastic bubbles. If you don't have any of these packing supplies on hand, they can be purchased very affordable at office supply and big box stores.
Being a caregiver for someone with any form of dementia is challenging. It's important to find ways to ease the stress, anxiety, and anger these individuals often feel. Sensory games and activities are wonderful ways to create a diversion, help them relax, and even trigger a good memory or two.
Sometimes the simplest activities, the ones you enjoy playing with very little children, can create hours of pleasure for those with Alzheimer's. You do not have to spend much money putting them together. Most of the items needed you will find in your kitchen drawers or garage. What you can't find you can pick up for a few dollars. For one game all you need is a plastic bag, water beads, and small objects for the person to try and identify.
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 good way to get patients in the mood to express themselves. It might help with dexterity as well. Finger paints come in packages of several colors and are not expensive. You can even make your own with some gelatin, food coloring, cornstarch, and water. You'll need some butcher paper, which comes on rolls, and is easy to find.
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 that requires some dexterity. You will need a board, screw eyes, and cord. If you want you might decorate the board with painted images to make the activity more challenging. Your loved one may need some help to get the cord through the screw eyes to replicate the painted design.
Popping bubble wrap is something that fascinates a lot of perfectly healthy adults. You might be surprised at how engrossed an Alzheimer's patient can get just sitting and popping the plastic bubbles. If you don't have any of these packing supplies on hand, they can be purchased very affordable at office supply and big box stores.
Being a caregiver for someone with any form of dementia is challenging. It's important to find ways to ease the stress, anxiety, and anger these individuals often feel. Sensory games and activities are wonderful ways to create a diversion, help them relax, and even trigger a good memory or two.
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