Six Beneficial Caregiver Activities For People With Dementia
by Janine Hughes
Once you have been designated as caregiver for a family member, you discover the need for an arsenal of things to do with them throughout the day. Though it can be stressful to provide for someone who is experiencing a decline in mental capabilities, it is also enriching to provide for them. Here are six beneficial things you can include in the daily schedule to keep them active and aware as long as possible.
Finding new ways to help your loved one continue to interact with you is challenging. What works for one person may not do so well for another. Trial and error is the key to finding what works for today, but keeping in mind that tomorrow may be completely different is important. Beneficial <A href="http://www.minddesigngames.com">activities for people with dementia</A> are those that are chosen to help their specific needs.
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.
To bring back happy memories of childhood while improving small motor coordination, try coloring books and crayons. Many people enjoy choosing colors and pictures, happily filling in the various shapes. It is an easy joy that allows for plenty of artistic expression without the frustration of complicated artist tools.
Taking photos together allows for several wonderful results. The patient capable of holding the camera can enjoy a favorite hobby, and looking for new subjects through the lens can stimulate the brain to function. Being the subject of the photo can be delightful for anyone who loves to have their picture taken. Preserving a record of how that individual looked on that day is also important for loved ones to have as a keepsake.
Gardeners know the passion they feel about gardening. Sharing the work of planting seeds either outdoors or in can be a great physical and mental therapy. Digging into the soil with tools or hands builds stronger muscles and exerting this energy is calming. Getting the seeds into exactly the right depth and spacing is excellent for maintaining eye to hand coordination. Once the seeds begin to sprout and then grow into tender young plants, the results are very satisfying.
Anytime of the year, spending a day in the kitchen baking cookies together is a treat. Working to mix the dough and then forming it into various shapes is a wonderful exercise for the small muscles in arms and hands. Decorating the treats with colorful icing and sprinkles is fun. Waiting to eat the results probably never happens, it seems, but everyone truly enjoys these memorable moments.
<a href="http://www.minddesigngames.com">Read more about</a> Six Thoughtful Caregiver Activities For People With Dementia.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Six Beneficial Caregiver Activities For People With Dementia
Author: Janine Hughes
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: disease, illness, prevention, health,
Word Count: 608
Category: Disease & Illness
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