Living with and caring for a person with dementia can be rewarding but challenging. The right activities occurring as little as once a month can enhance a person's sense of dignity and self-worth by giving purpose and meaning to life, help maintain his existing physical and mental capabilities and help ease your burden a bit.
Activities Based on Past Interests
When initiating planning for monthly activities, start with what the person likes to do. If a person loves reading, for instance, plan a monthly visit to a different bookstore or library. If she loves history, make a plan once a month to visit a museum. Someone with a love of gardening can plant something new once a month. The UK group Alzheimers Disease International points out that it is important to be selective with outings, however, avoid crowds and constant movement that can cause those with dementia to feel overwhelmed and withdraw.
Activities That Promote Physical Fitness
While daily walks keep you and your loved one fit, they can also provide plenty of stimulation that can help maintain their existing physical and mental capabilities. Planning a slightly different walk or physical activity just once a month, whether it be an extended walk or a walk around an area that is different from where a daily walk might go, can stimulate the senses while promoting physical fitness.
Activities That Foster Social Interaction
Making time to schedule monthly meals or visits with small groups of family and friends allow your loved one with dementia to exercise social skills. Choose a setting that meets the safety and emotional needs of the person based on the level of dementia, taking account the advice from section one about crowds. The group Alzheimer's Outreach recommends selecting activities that provide an emotional outlet. Contact with babies, children and animals provides positive feelings of joy, tenderness and laughter as part of a social situation.
Member Comments