As Alzheimer’s disease disrupts memory, impairs their behavior and reasoning, those in senior care near Chicago may stop doing some of the things they once loved. But this diagnosis does not strip one of their needs and desire to have a full, meaningful life. It just means changes may need to be made and new activities taken up that allow self-expression, lessen anxiety, stir memories, promote connection with others and improve quality of life, such as:
- Read & Relax
Books can comfort, entertain, inform and provide an outlet for engagement. Researchers have even found that reading improves the quality of life of individuals with Alzheimer’s. While those in the early stages may still enjoy reading books themselves, patients in the later stages may require easier picture books—preferably ones they cherished when they were younger—to be read to them.
- Turn Up the Tunes
Whether listening at home or singing along in a choir, music is a therapeutic way to engage those receiving Chicago senior home care. In addition to evoking emotions and recalling memories, music can foster intimacy and understanding as well as help manage stress, improve behavioral issues and motivate individuals.
- Cook & Bake
Cooking and baking are activities that promote positive cognitive stimulation and foster independence. In addition to getting a tasty meal or snack out of it, cooking also provides stress-relieving benefits.
- Get the Games Out
Even a game as simple as bingo has been shown to enhance cognitive performance. But everything from crossword puzzles and board games to physical activities, such as a beach ball toss, that seniors can do together are excellent opportunities to keep the brain and body active, promoting alertness and awareness.
- Reminisce
While Alzheimer’s can prevent seniors from forming strong memories, much of the time it doesn’t take away ones from their earlier years. Get out the photo albums and home videos and enjoy time bonding together.
- Go Gardening
Gardening not only promotes a more active lifestyle, but also stimulates senses while engaging the mind. Taking your loved one to a community garden to plant flowers, fruits or vegetables is a great way to get outdoors. If getting a little dirty puts them off, a stroll through a nearby botanical garden might be a better option.
- Clean, Clear & Categorize
Everyday activities, such as sweeping around the house, folding laundry and organizing household items, can be beneficial to those receiving senior services in Chicago. By doing these things, seniors can get a sense of accomplishment and independence, and even motivation to do other activities.
- Craft & Laugh
Music isn’t the only therapeutic activity proven to promote well-being. Creative expression has long been linked to benefitting brain and mental health, providing an outlet for stress relief and a way connect with emotions. Whether taking up knitting, painting, scrapbooking or even just coloring in a coloring book, make it an enjoyable encounter with laughter and encouragement. According to Dr. Arnold Bresky, tasks such as these can even reduce memory loss.
- Volunteer & Visit Friends
Social activities are some of the most beneficial undertakings for an individual with Alzheimer’s. In addition to helping to maintain mental health, social interaction encourages independence, relationship building and reduces the risk of dementia.
- Get Out & About
Exercise is crucial to combat dementia and improve a person’s health. Being active has a lot of benefits, includming improved sleep, confidence, and mood, as well as a reduction in the risk of falls, cancer, stroke and osteoporosis. For older individuals, exercise can be a number of different things, from group dance lesson to yoga, swimming and walking.
With in-home care services, personalized elder care and alternative therapy options, we here at Freedom Home Care are devoted to providing consistent, high-quality care. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 877-262-1223.
