When it comes to dementia care, activities play a vital role.
Activities for people with dementia are a crucial aspect of dementia care, providing benefits that extend beyond just passing the time.
That’s because they help people to lead a more healthy and happier life. Another thing they do is provide structure and routine in one’s life. And that’s something everyone needs, not just people with dementia.
Engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities can promote physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being for people with dementia. Additionally, activities can help to establish structure and routine in their daily lives, which can improve their overall sense of purpose and stability. However, it’s important to choose activities that are appropriate for the individual’s abilities and interests. By incorporating activities into a dementia care plan, individuals can maintain a sense of independence and joy, while also receiving the support they need.
What types of activities work best for people with dementia?
Activities for people with dementia help to raise their self-esteem. Plus, they can often reduce things like sadness, boredom and anxiety.
It’s important to find out what challenges you are trying to overcome with a dementia patient. That way, you can help to improve their quality of life in the best way possible. Here are a few examples of activities that have positive results for dementia sufferers:
Art Activities
When a person feels withdrawn or lacks confidence, art activities can give them a boost.
Art has been found to be a beneficial activity for people with dementia, providing a range of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. Here are some of the ways in which art can help:
- Stimulates the brain: Engaging in art can stimulate the brain and encourage neural connections, which may help to slow the progression of dementia.
- Encourages self-expression: Creating art allows individuals with dementia to express themselves in a non-verbal way, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with communication.
- Improves mood and reduces stress: Art can be a calming and relaxing activity that can reduce stress and anxiety, while also improving mood and overall well-being.
- Provides a sense of accomplishment: Completing an art project can provide individuals with dementia with a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem.
- Promotes social interaction: Art can be a social activity, providing opportunities for individuals with dementia to connect with others and engage in meaningful conversations.
Overall, art can be a powerful tool for individuals with dementia, helping them to maintain their cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
There are plenty of examples of art activities for people with dementia For example, they could take up painting, crafts or use watercolours to create new paintings.
It’s also possible for people with limited motor skills to paint. That’s thanks, in part, to specially-designed palettes and brushes
Craft Activities
Some dementia patients feel useless and surplus to requirements, so to speak.
Craft activities offer a way of engagement and purpose. They could learn new skills or continue with existing ones like knitting or crocheting.
Of course, the craft isn’t just about making clothing! Craft activities encompass all kinds of building projects. Things like creating a model plane or using modelling clay are two such examples.
Crafting is a great activity for people with dementia, as it offers a range of benefits for their overall well-being. One of the main advantages of crafting is that it stimulates the brain and keeps it busy, which can help to slow down cognitive decline and keep the mind active.
This is because crafting activities often involve multiple steps and require individuals to use their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. These cognitive demands can help to strengthen neural connections in the brain and promote the growth of new neurons, which may help to improve memory and cognitive function.
Additionally, crafting can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can boost self-esteem and improve mood. The process of creating something with their own hands can be incredibly fulfilling for people with dementia and can provide a meaningful way for them to engage with the world around them.
Exercise and Keeping Fit
Quite often, people with dementia feel unmotivated and do not wish to do anything physical. Sometimes it can be down to physical mobility problems rather than mental health issues.
Believe it or not, there is a whole host of physical activities that all dementia sufferers could do. Sure, there are obvious ones like walking or playing sports, for example. But, there are indoor ones where patients could play sitting down. Things like seated aerobics or even playing darts.
Even the simplest of physical activities encourage people with dementia to be more active.
Travel
Even people with severe mobility issues can still enjoy travelling. When a person has dementia, it’s important they have access to familiar home comforts. Having said that, a change of scenery is always welcome by those living with dementia.
It’s possible to arrange short breaks or holidays for people that suffer from dementia. Often, accommodation providers can offer any help if needed.
Travel is a fun way to keep one’s mind occupied with more positive thoughts. It’s also a way for people to relive happier times in their lives. For instance, having the chance to revisit places from their childhood.
Music
Music can be a powerful tool in engaging people with dementia, particularly if they have access to instruments. Research has shown that individuals with dementia tend to respond most positively to music they listened to during their youth and teenage years. This can be songs from their cultural background, or popular songs from the era they grew up in. Hearing familiar music can evoke strong emotional responses, and trigger autobiographical memories, which can reinforce a sense of identity and connection to their past.
What’s more, studies have found that listening to music can activate the very parts of the brain that seem to be particularly resistant to the damaging effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Even when other cognitive functions have deteriorated, music can still be processed and enjoyed. For those with access to instruments, playing music can be even more beneficial, as it engages multiple areas of the brain and promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Incorporating music into a dementia care plan can have a range of positive effects, including reducing agitation, improving mood, and promoting social interaction. Music can be used in a variety of ways, from listening to recordings, to live performances, to singing and playing instruments. By incorporating music into a dementia care plan, individuals can maintain a sense of identity, promote cognitive function, and improve their overall quality of life.
How Care in Kent can help with activities for people with Dementia
Companion care from Care in Kent can be an excellent resource for individuals with dementia who may require assistance with daily activities and social engagement.
Our caregivers are trained to provide support and companionship to individuals with dementia, helping them to engage in meaningful activities that can improve their quality of life. We understand that each person with dementia is unique, and we work closely with our clients and their families to develop personalized care plans that address their specific needs and preferences.
Our caregivers can assist with activities such as reminiscing, playing games, going for walks, or engaging in hobbies and interests. This type of social interaction can help to reduce feelings of isolation and promote cognitive stimulation, which can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing.
If you or a loved one is living with dementia and could benefit from companion care services, please reach out to us at Care in Kent to learn more about how we can help.
Contact us for more information – 01233 619530.