Finding appropriate activities for Alzheimer's sufferers is extremely important for their mental health, happiness and overall well-being. Determine what kind of activities they used to do and what they might enjoy doing on a regular basis, but most importantly, remember that Alzheimer's sufferers are not children, and should be treated with the respect that all adults deserve.
Sorting Items
The task of sorting items can be an excellent activity for people with Alzheimer's disease, especially those who are particularly interested in being helpful. Sorting clean socks, buttons, spoons or forks can be a great way to keep those with Alzheimer's feeling useful. Make sure you are around to help if potentially dangerous items like forks or small items that can be eaten like buttons are being sorted.
Light Cooking
The preparation of light foods like cheese and crackers, bagels and cream cheese, fruit salad or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is an excellent way to keep those with Alzheimer's involved in their daily lives while feeling useful and entertained. Make sure you use plastic knives and silverware to avoid any accidents.
Light Cleaning
Much like sorting and cooking, light cleaning is an excellent way to get Alzheimer's patients involved in their daily lives and to feel needed and appreciated. Light cleaning activities include dusting with a feather duster, vacuuming or sweeping a hard floor with a broom. Avoid cleaning activities that require dangerous tools or potentially hazardous chemicals.
Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of living a healthy life for all people, and it is no different for someone with Alzheimer's. While they may be a bit more limited in activities, walking, tossing a ball or playing horseshoes are all excellent activities for Alzheimer's sufferers. When taking a walk, it is best to keep the route short and give them a cell phone, just in case.
Scrapbooking
Making a scrapbook of items from newspapers, magazine or cookbooks can be great for entertaining those with Alzheimer's. If you do end up cutting items out of a magazine or newspaper for scrapbooking, try to stick to light subjects like sports, weather patterns or recipes. While it may seem obvious, dramatic news stories and obituaries should be avoided.
Playing With Animals
Many people with Alzheimer's find petting a cat or tossing a ball with a dog to be a fun, satisfying activity that can be therapeutic, especially during the late afternoon hours when Alzheimer's sufferers are particularly restless. You can also involve some pets in exercise activities, like taking a dog for a walk.
References
- "A Carer's Guide: Alzheimer's & Dementia: Helping You Care for Someone with Alzheimer's or Other Dementias"; Steve Wall, Rosette Teitel; 2003
- "Measure of the Heart: Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer's"; Mary Ellen Geist; 2009
