Each individual level of Alzheimer’s disease comes with its own distinct complications, and the strategies to conquer those challenges and help older adults live the fullest life possible must be altered accordingly. In the more advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, it’s typical for the individual’s level of activity and engagement to lessen; however, it is still essential for caregivers to look for as many opportunities as possible to help the older adult stay involved in pleasurable pursuits.
Hearts at Home’s caregivers are thoroughly trained and skilled in appropriate Alzheimer’s care for each stage of the disease. We suggest the following engaging activities to try out with your senior loved one in late stage Alzheimer’s:
- Consider the senior’s interests. A good initial step is to develop as extensive a list as possible of what has piqued the senior’s interest during her lifetime: her favorite sort of music and songs, hobbies, and passions. Having as much of this information as possible in one place will assist in coming up with related activities that she may enjoy. For instance, if she raised and trained German shepherds, scheduling a therapy dog to go visit or presenting her with a stuffed dog that appears to be similar to one she had in previous years could bring her great joy.
- Be sure that the older adult has time outside. There’s nothing as exhilarating and comforting as feeling the sunshine on your face and a cool breeze gently blowing through your hair. Take the senior to a local recreation area, or even just take a walk/wheelchair ride around the block or through a garden to allow her the opportunity for fresh air and to enjoy firsthand the beauty of nature. Loved ones or trained caregivers can help older adults enjoy the outdoors safely.
- Make time to remember. Since Alzheimer’s affects short-term memory first and commonly leaves longer-range memories unimpaired, revisiting tales you know from the senior’s past, helping her look through photograph albums, playing the music she danced to at her wedding or when rocking her little ones can all bring about an elevated interest in the world around her.
- Engage in the arts. Arts and crafts are often enjoyed activities throughout the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In the more advanced stages, the person may merely hold onto craft materials or help place them into the artwork as the caregiver takes care of the majority of the activity, but the tactile engagement by itself is soothing, and can rekindle memories of activities she’s done in the past.
If you’d like more appropriate activity ideas for those with Alzheimer’s, contact our providers of dementia care in Kansas City and the nearby areas. Our dementia care professionals are dedicated to making certain that each senior’s overall health, wellbeing, and enjoyment in life are maximized through compassionate, patient, personalized home care services. You can reach us any time at 913-440-4209 to set up a free in-home assessment to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care solutions for your senior loved one.