November is Alzheimer’s awareness month – Learn how to best manage this disease
Activities like sorting and rolling yarn, or even knitting or crocheting, can be comforting to Alzheimer’s patients.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging. As these patients lose aspects of their memory, they may experience frustration as they struggle to remember how to complete tasks and activities. And, keep in mind that their challenge is also shared with their caregivers. Providing compassionate care may be challenging, but reducing stressful moments is possible – and creating an environment where loved ones may feel secure is an ongoing goal.
Here are some suggestions to help Alzheimer’s patients make the most of their current ability levels:
- Clip coupons – Look at the photos on the coupons and talk about saving money and how these products are used.
- Rake leaves – Pick a nice, sunny day and enjoy fresh air and the sounds of rustling leaves.
- Look at family photos – Bring up favorite family stories as you look at cherished memories.
- Spend time with a pet – Even if you don’t have a pet, visit someone who does. Pet a dog or cat. Or, go to a store or restaurant with a fish tank and watch them swim.
- Sing familiar songs – Find favorite Christmas carols, church hymns or sock-hop tunes from their high-school days.
- Have an afternoon tea – Offer several flavors of tea along with simple cookies, crackers and fruit.
- Plant bulbs in pots – Force them into bloom all year long so you may enjoy their colors and fragrance in any season.
- Feed the birds – Carefully pour bird seed into a feeder and observe your flying backyard visitors.
- Roll yarn into a ball – This is especially enjoyable for former knitters and crocheters. Maybe they will want to take the next step and make a scarf or other project.
These activities help Alzheimer’s patients retain a sense of control over their abilities. We will be offering other ideas during the next few weeks. Of course, these are simply a few suggestions. What activities do you find most helpful for you and your loved one?
If you would like to talk about how to better manage Alzheimer’s care for your family, please feel free to reach out to Annette or Phil Smith at FirstLight Home Care. We have an extensive network of health care professionals, and we are here to help. Call us at 440-286-1342, or email psmith@firstlighthomecare.com.