It is hard to watch someone with a brain disorder go downhill. It really doesn't matter whether the cause is Alzheimer's or something else. When people are losing control of what they can remember and do, they get agitated, angry, and stressed. If you are a caregiver looking for answers, you can find all kinds of simple activities that involve sensory therapy for dementia patients.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
You might set up an art activity with some butcher paper and finger paint. Painting is a non-threatening way for an Alzheimer's patient to express her frustrations and anxiety. You can get finger paint packages in big box stores, or you can make them yourself. All you need to make non-toxic paint is a mixture of water, food coloring, gelatin, and cornstarch.
Coin sorting is an activity that an older one might like. This works especially well if you, or other family members, routinely dump loose change into a jar and let it collect. Not only will it give the person something engaging to do, if you approach it correctly it will also give her a sense of purpose. You can place some glass bowls around the coin jar and let the loved one sort the change into the corresponding bowls.
A loop board is a good activity that requires some dexterity. You will need a board, screw eyes, and cord. If you want you might decorate the board with painted images to make the activity more challenging. Your loved one may need some help to get the cord through the screw eyes to replicate the painted design.
Popping bubble wrap drives some people crazy. Others love it and will pop the bubbles until they are gone. There is something soothing to people about this activity. An Alzheimer's patient can do it without having to leave a favorite chair. Bubble wrap is easy to find at office supplies stores, and doesn't cost much for a big roll.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards can be a lot of fun, and may generate some good memories. You need cardboard, spices, herbs, perfumes, flowers, or any other object that has an aroma. While your loved one is guessing the smell, you might ask what it reminds her of. You could also share something pleasant you remember and associate with the odor.
You might set up an art activity with some butcher paper and finger paint. Painting is a non-threatening way for an Alzheimer's patient to express her frustrations and anxiety. You can get finger paint packages in big box stores, or you can make them yourself. All you need to make non-toxic paint is a mixture of water, food coloring, gelatin, and cornstarch.
Coin sorting is an activity that an older one might like. This works especially well if you, or other family members, routinely dump loose change into a jar and let it collect. Not only will it give the person something engaging to do, if you approach it correctly it will also give her a sense of purpose. You can place some glass bowls around the coin jar and let the loved one sort the change into the corresponding bowls.
A loop board is a good activity that requires some dexterity. You will need a board, screw eyes, and cord. If you want you might decorate the board with painted images to make the activity more challenging. Your loved one may need some help to get the cord through the screw eyes to replicate the painted design.
Popping bubble wrap drives some people crazy. Others love it and will pop the bubbles until they are gone. There is something soothing to people about this activity. An Alzheimer's patient can do it without having to leave a favorite chair. Bubble wrap is easy to find at office supplies stores, and doesn't cost much for a big roll.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
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When you are looking for information about sensory therapy for dementia patients, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.vizuallyspeaking.ca now.
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