Page 66 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2024 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

-ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION-

Indoor Activities for People with Dementia

hile many families are caring for their loved Be creative: For many people living with mid- to late-
ones at home, finding ways to stay engaged stage dementia, communication can be challenging.
Wand active indoors during the cold winter Consider painting or drawing activities that can allow the
months can be challenging for many Americans. It can be person with the disease to express their feelings safely.
particularly challenging for the millions of people living Also, try using play dough or clay to provide the benefits
with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. According from tactile stimulation and creativity. Cut out photos
to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 459,300 from magazines to create happy memories in a collage.
individuals are living with Alzheimer’s in Texas.
Do something personal: Everyone likes to be pampered.
Individuals at any stage of dementia can benefit from Give a hand massage, manicure, or brush the person’s
stimulating activities. Many activities can be modified hair. Watch their favorite television shows or find their
to the person's ability. In addition to enhancing quality favorite movie. If they love sports, find a sporting event or
of life, activities can reduce common dementia-related game to watch.
behaviors, like wandering or agitation.
More tips on activities families can do with their loved
“It is important you take your cue from the person ones can be found by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association
living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia,” website at alz.org. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7
said Valerie Sanchez, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Helpline also provides reliable information and support
Association West Texas. “Having a sense of what they like to all those who need assistance. Call the toll-free
to do and can do, as well as their mood on a given day, are Helpline anytime at 800.272.3900.
important factors to consider when offering an activity.
If it doesn’t work, you can always try something else.”

To help families enjoy quality time with their loved
ones with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association offers
this list of fun indoor activities that all family members
can enjoy.

Have a game day: For some early- to mid-stage
individuals living with dementia, completing a
puzzle or playing cards, checkers, or dominos can
be a stimulating and fun way to spend time indoors.
Consider naming the presidents or locating states on a
map of the United States.
Reminisce: People living with dementia, even in the
late stages, can enjoy listening to their favorite music. A
person may be able to tap a beat or sing lyrics to a song
from childhood. Also, consider looking through family
photo albums and ask questions about their childhood,
such as where they went to school, what pets they had,
or what was their first car. Photos and conversations
can bring back favorite childhood memories.
Do something in the kitchen: Studies suggest more
vivid emotional memories. Prepare a favorite meal
or bake a favorite dessert. Engage the person in
appropriate tasks, keeping safety a priority. You can
also ask the person to wash and dry dishes or to help
set the table.

66 Lubbock Senior Link The Alzheimer's Association appreciates Callander House for sponsoring this article.