Confusion and memory loss are symptoms associated with dementia, and they can cause older adults to forget familiar places, people, and things. Memory loss can be stressful for seniors and their family caregivers, but staying mentally and physically active can strengthen the memory and reduce anxiety. Here are some activities that can provide support for seniors with memory loss.
Puzzles
Mentally stimulating challenges are the best ways to strengthen memory and slow the progression of dementia. Trying to figure out how to solve each task reinforces the existing connections between the brain cells, which boosts memory. Completing puzzles can also enhance thought processes and increase mental speed. Seniors with dementia experience changes in short-term memory in the early stages, but solving puzzles can help them remember shapes, sizes, and colors as they put each piece in its proper place.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Clearwater Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Card Games
Stimulating the brain is easier to do when enjoying everyday activities, such as playing card games. Keep in mind that trying to learn new games may confuse older adults with dementia, so it’s best to choose games your senior loved one is already familiar with. To navigate through the game, your loved one will need to use his or her memory and critical thinking skills. It may take your loved one a little longer to respond to the moves of other players, but taking his or her time can prevent irritation and increase self-confidence.
Painting
Going beyond communication losses to practice self-expression is essential for seniors with dementia, as this allows them to interact with others and communicate their feelings. Painting is an excellent way to increase creativity and expression, so you should encourage your loved one to take up this activity as well as other arts and crafts projects. Finding new ways to communicate can boost self-esteem and reduce memory loss. Creating a work of art provides the emotional release seniors need to trigger memories and remain positively engaged.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of a highly trained professional caregiver. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Yoga
Yoga is an exercise that can lower blood pressure levels in seniors with dementia, preventing blockages that disrupt the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain and, ultimately, reducing confusion and memory loss. Doing yoga can enhance verbal memory, which is how seniors remember people’s names and lists of words or phrases. Yoga can also enhance the visual-spatial memory, allowing seniors to perform daily activities with greater ease, such as driving or recalling addresses, phone numbers, and necessary appointments. The techniques your loved one performs during yoga sessions could train his or her memory and boost learning skills even as dementia progresses. Practicing yoga a few times each week can also strengthen attention skills and mental awareness.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Clearwater families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862.