Quality of Life

As Spring gives way to Summer, fresh greenery and blooming gardens surround us with beautiful colors and familiar scents. With a little planning, you can create an engaging and enjoyable time with your loved one. Interactions with those afflicted with Dementia can be difficult – for us, but is especially so for them. A little effort on our part can can improve their quality of life, lessen agitation and decrease depression. Planning activities for Loved Ones living with Dementia can be challenging. Here are some simple ideas to create meaningful experiences for you both.

Simple Things

The greatest gift we can give to one another is time. Spend some time just chatting with them about their former interests, hobbies, or even bring them one of their past favorite objects.

Plan an Activity

Games, simple household chores, polishing shoes, folding laundry, roll some dough – these activities help maintain motor skills and give your senior a sense of accomplishment and contribution. Keep these activities simple, and free of failure.

Talk to your Caregiver

Give your Caregiver a tool box to work with, filled with ideas and activities that will keep your loved one engaged, stimulated, and establish a connection between them and their caregiver. This also helps relieve a Caregiver’s frustration and difficulty when your loved one is struggling with the emotional and physical toll of Dementia and aging.

Optimize Time

When is your loved one most active and energetic? Plan projects and physical activities for this time. Repeat favorite activities, and make sure you have a back-up plan.