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Monday, 20 July 2015

Creating Stimulating Activities For Alzheimer Patients

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By Phyllis Schroeder


If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimers you might be wondering what types of activities that you can do with them to keep their mind stimulated. There are many great stimulating activities for Alzheimer patients that can be done with your loved one to keep them active and sharp. However, it is important that you find activities that the senior will actually be interested in doing with you.

Puzzles are a great to keep the senior thinking and trying to figure out what piece goes where. You want cognitive stimulation that will target the elderly persons mental and social skills. However, understand that people with Alzheimers have a mind of their own, and some days have their day already planned out in their mind. Sitting for hours to put a puzzle together just might not be on their agenda.

Crosswords puzzles can also keep the mind sharp and engaged. They keep individuals thinking and trying to figure out the answers to questions. Word seeks are also great because they allow the person to remember words and how they are spelled. There are many great books that can be purchased on different topics as well as in different type of print. Those who have trouble seeing small print can purchase the books with large size letters.

Purchase arts & craft tools. Allow the patient to express themselves through art and drawing. As the patients memory and verbal ways to communicate decline, they can still use art and drawing as way to continue to communicate. Most often people with the condition will lose their language but might still be able to draw and paint long after the lost of speech.

For the patient their biggest concern is whether or not they will be treated with compassion, respect, and able to sustain some type of dignity during their transition. There are wonderful hospice staff who work with families having to go through this ordeal. The health care team is consisted of doctors, caregivers, nurses, and family members who are helping take care of their loved one. Each team player has a significant role in helping the patient and family members through the different stages of their condition.

After the disease has reached it final stage, it is then when the end of life team will step in to work with the patient, and family members. End of life care is for any patient for nearing the end of their terminal health condition. However, this can be prolonged for some with a bit of stimulation for the brain.

Arts & Crafts is also a wonderful way for these elderly people to express themselves. Drawing pictures encourages the mind to remember and respond to those memories. There is no need to worry about the senior having artist skills just give them a paint brush and let them be free. They will get so much pleasure from doing something that they think is masterpiece. You will think so to when you watch how hard they work at something which they believe you will love and enjoy.

It is very easy to find activities that will stimulate the individuals mind. You just have to do a little research and get a bit creative. If you know some of the past activities that the person has enjoyed just try to implement them in their new way of living now.




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