Many caregivers struggle to create activities that seniors with dementia can participate in, but getting these seniors active is important to slowing the progress of dementia and improving their health. Many assisted living facilities have professionals with the skills and know-how to get elderly people with dementia up and moving. When seeking a facility for your loved one, be sure to check into their activities for residents living with dementia.
In general, when devising activities for residents with dementia, it’s important to keep their interests in mind. For example, seniors who enjoy gardening should be included in gardening-related activities. Assisted living facility staff can help residents with diminished capacity in these activities, by simplifying activities or assisting them with the parts of the activity they are unable to do.
Assisted living facility staff should work to make activities meaningful, instead of just ways to pass time. A component of achievement or learning should always be part of the activity. When activities are meaningful, seniors are more likely to respond to them positively.
Seniors living with dementia often benefit from activities that reestablish old routines. By creating activities relevant to their lives, assisted living staff can help create activities seniors will find engaging and enjoyable. Even common household tasks, such as washing dishes or cooking, can be meaningful to seniors. Assisted living staff must work to ensure these activities are safe and ability-appropriate for seniors, however.
Studies have shown that staying fit physically and mentally greatly increases the quality of life for seniors and helps to mitigate some of the effects of dementia. With a cooperative assisted living staff, you can ensure that your senior stays busy and keeps well. To find the perfect facility for your senior, contact Always Best Care. We will provide you with assisted living placement finder services during your care consultation, free of charge.
