The onset of dementia and related diseases such as Alzheimer’s can cause distressing symptoms like anxiety and agitation. A loved one’s mood can shift abruptly, leaving caregivers perplexed about what they did or how to appease them.
The causes of this agitation could vary. It can result from your loved one ruminating about a traumatic memory or something as simple as hunger or boredom. In either case, seeing a loved one go through this ordeal can be heartbreaking.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to medication that you can try to help your loved ones maintain a stable mood or navigate such aggressive behaviors. This article discusses five self-soothing sensory strategies and dementia activities that may assist them in regaining composure.
1. Gentle Hand Massages
A soothing hand massage is a simple and effective solution that can instill a relaxed state in your loved one. People with Alzheimer’s disease may respond to the familiarity and comfort of human touch, particularly if it comes from a family member. Even five minutes of gently massaging their hands can result in a drop in stress-inducing cortisol levels and calm the nerves triggered by Alzheimer’s-related anxiety.
2. Scented Card Game
This strategy uses olfactory senses to connect Alzheimer’s patients with peaceful, calming fragrances and positive memories. You’ll need small pouches or sachets filled with various scents for this.
Choose therapeutic aromas that are strong and calming, such as lemongrass, rosemary, cinnamon, lavender, vanilla, or peppermint. You might also want to include unique fragrances for your loved one, such as pine trees or rose.
The goal is to create positive associations with the fragrance. Pass the sachets to your loved one and gently encourage them to talk about each one or share any memories associated with the smell. When they take deep breaths and engage their senses, they divert their senses to positive environmental stimuli, ultimately contributing to their well-being.
3. Folding Clothes
Ordinary as it may seem, there’s something therapeutic about taking pieces of cloth and folding them into smaller squares. This simple activity can be very relaxing and assist a loved one with Alzheimer’s to develop a sensory connection with something tangible. Give them clean, soft towels or silk handkerchiefs to fold instead of random pieces of laundry.
4. Sorting Coins
This exercise is a great way to inspire focus in Alzheimer’s patients through touch and sight. Seat them in a comfortable, well-lit room and set out a tray with a bowl of various coins. There should also be several empty bowls where they can place the coins they’ve sorted.
Explain the procedure gently and encourage them to sort coins in their own way. Remember, there is no right or wrong to this method. The goal is for them to work at their own pace while inspiring focus and comfort.
5. Soothing Finger Painting
This is a fun form of art therapy to help your loved one express their emotions. You only need a few non-toxic paints and a piece of A4-sized blank paper to do this. Tape the paper to the table or board and allow your loved one to dip their finger into the paints and begin doodling.
Final Words
Seeing a loved one go through dementia can be heartbreaking. At worst, they can go through feelings of anxiety or agitation. But with these five simple exercises, you can bring normalcy back into their lives.
