Staying actively engaged is essential to brain health for older adults living with dementia, as it can reduce the effects of memory impairment and boost their wellbeing. Below are some of the best activities for seniors with memory loss and benefits associated with each pursuit.
1. Reading
Being diagnosed with dementia doesn’t reduce the need for seniors to read. Reading can enhance quality of life and slow the progression of dementia. Don’t give your senior loved one reading material that’s difficult to follow. Instead, choose reading materials based on his or her cognitive abilities. Consistent reading can compensate for the damage caused to the brain cells and enhance your loved one’s thought process.
2. Exercising
Physical activity can directly and indirectly boost your loved one’s memory and cognitive skills. The psychological changes caused by dementia affect the growth of brain cells as well as the abundance and survival of new cells. However, physical activity can increase blood flow to the brain and encourage new cell growth. By exercising, your loved one can reduce stress and enhance his or her sleep quality, which combats problems that contribute to cognitive impairment. Some of the best exercises for seniors with dementia are:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Aerobics
Caring for senior loved ones 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 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.
3. Gardening
Planting flowers, spices, fruits, vegetables, and other items in the garden can relax the mind and body and stimulate the brain. The activities involved in gardening can keep the mind sharp in many ways despite the development of dementia. For instance, when planting items in the soil, your loved one will need to use his or her thinking skills as well as logic and sensory awareness. Throughout the gardening process, your loved one’s concentration may increase, and he or she may continue to try new techniques or learn more about the items he or she is planting.
4. Playing an Instrument
Music is therapeutic for seniors with dementia, whether they’re learning to play or enhancing musical skills they already possess. Music can spark memories and suppressed feelings in older adults with dementia. Your loved one can increase his or her motor function, and engaging with the music can help him or her associate memories with appropriate emotions. Playing the notes can relax the mind and serve as a calming mechanism. Your loved one may open up more through the music, and the creative freedom may allow him or her to express thoughts more vividly.
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 homecare services Oakville, Ontario, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
5. Baking with Grandchildren
Fostering emotional connections with others is vital for seniors with dementia because it lowers the risk of depression and keeps them mentally engaged. Encourage your loved one to bake his or her favourite dishes with the grandchildren. The activity will test his or her ability to organize, focus, retrieve memories, and multitask. For instance, while baking for a family gathering, your loved one may remember that his or her son dislikes bananas, so he or she has to make a special pie without this ingredient. Baking can also help your loved one control his or her emotions and manage stress and frustration more efficiently.
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. Oakville 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. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (905) 337-1200 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.