Activities are an essential part of a Dementia Care Colorado Springs program. The following diversions are suitable for people with impaired cognition.
Choosing Appropriate Activities
In planning an activity, try a long-time interest of the care recipient. Someone experiencing advanced cognitive decline is still able to perform tasks from rote memory. Focus on pastimes that don't involve crowds or excessive noise. Choose activities that are within the care recipient's capabilities and schedule diversions for a time when dementia symptoms are less acute.
Nature Walks
The National Park Service states that people are more responsive to exercising outdoors. Reduced self-esteem is a part of having dementia. Time spent enjoying nature improves a person's self-image. Time in the great outdoors counters another consequence of dementia; depression.
Gardening
Researchers in the UK concluded that people with cognition challenges are more receptive to spending time outside if they have a task to perform. Gardening naturally moderates dementia symptoms.
• AgitationPeople with dementia often feel useless. Caring for plants makes someone with decreased cognition feel useful again.
Listening To Music
The Alzheimer's Association reports that listening to music appears to control negative behaviors related to dementia. When verbal communication becomes difficult for them, music becomes a way for people with cognitive decline to express themselves.
Dancing
One prescription for treating dementia is Dance Therapy. Dancing increases the desire and ability to socialize. Dancing helps preserve motor skills that dementia disorders take away and can improve cognition and memory.
To benefit from dancing, a person with dementia doesn't have to dance in any formal sense of the word. All they have to do is move to the music whether they are standing or sitting.
Arts And Crafts
The object of someone experiencing cognitive decline, painting or drawing, is not about creating a masterpiece. The purpose of art is to provide a creative and expressive outlet. Making a collage by pasting pieces of paper to backing is an artistic alternative when holding a brush or pencil is too difficult.
Making a memory box is a relatively simple crafts project. The person with dementia creates a decorative container to house cherished memorabilia. Memory Box items might include photos, awards, and souvenirs.
Exercise
Folks with limited cognition need to move. Regular exercise strengthens every part of the body, including the brain. Workout options include weight lifting and the use of equipment like stationary bikes. Swimming, Tai Chi, and yoga provide a joint-friendly low impact workout. Those unable to stand can complete a Chair Exercise regimen sitting down.
Important note:
Dementia interferes with the ability to sense danger. Never leave a person with cognition issues to exercise alone.
Enjoying A Pet
Interacting with a pet, including animatronic pets, make people feel less alone. Dogs and cats give us an incentive to keep moving.
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