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.
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.
Undeniably one of the best choices for therapy is to encourage music sessions. Studies conducted at the Music and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, have indicated that it may be possible to help stroke patients and others with various dementia to improve with listening to musical selections. Though not completely understood, it is known that certain brain areas are capable of routing signals around damaged parts to help improve function. Some people in therapies have been able to improve through slow singing, even though their speech has been impaired.
Tossing a ball can help to strengthen muscles and eye to hand coordination. This interactive play is fun, and for patients mobile enough to take the activity outdoors, a change of scenery is an added benefit. Small, soft balls can be used for patients who are bedridden, too. It is easy to do on top of smoothly tucked blankets. Many people are delighted with the childhood fun of it all.
Many patients derive deep pleasure from using crayons to color pictures. This is a pastime that can be very calming, soothing, and brings memories of childhood fun. The chance to choose favorite colors allows everyone to have a feeling of control which often carries over into the rest of day, long after the art session is done.
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.
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.
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.
Undeniably one of the best choices for therapy is to encourage music sessions. Studies conducted at the Music and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, have indicated that it may be possible to help stroke patients and others with various dementia to improve with listening to musical selections. Though not completely understood, it is known that certain brain areas are capable of routing signals around damaged parts to help improve function. Some people in therapies have been able to improve through slow singing, even though their speech has been impaired.
Tossing a ball can help to strengthen muscles and eye to hand coordination. This interactive play is fun, and for patients mobile enough to take the activity outdoors, a change of scenery is an added benefit. Small, soft balls can be used for patients who are bedridden, too. It is easy to do on top of smoothly tucked blankets. Many people are delighted with the childhood fun of it all.
Many patients derive deep pleasure from using crayons to color pictures. This is a pastime that can be very calming, soothing, and brings memories of childhood fun. The chance to choose favorite colors allows everyone to have a feeling of control which often carries over into the rest of day, long after the art session is done.
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.
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.
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.
About the Author:
You can visit www.minddesigngames.com for more helpful information about Six Thoughtful Caregiver Activities For People With Dementia.