Has your loved one started to exhibit symptoms of dementia? Dementia is a progressive disease and as it worsens, your loved one may find it difficult to focus and struggle to carry out activities of daily living on their own. In the early stages of the disease, incorporating engaging games and activities for dementia patients at a specific time in the day gives them a structure which provides a familiar routine. This helps to empower them by giving them a sense of control over their day. For those in the end stages of dementia, many of these activities can still help them engage with their memories. Here are some games and activities that you can try with dementia patients.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles help to stimulate the brain and are ideal for loved ones with dementia. These puzzles are also able to provide them with a sense of control. At the same time, doing jigsaw puzzles serves as a social activity that gives you opportunities to connect positively with your loved ones on an emotional level. Certain customized photo puzzles are said to be able to reawaken memories in patients, thereby improving their mental speed and thought processes.
Crossword Puzzles
A study found that solving crossword puzzles later in life can delay memory decline by two and a half years in dementia patients. Crosswords offer a great way to relax, which can allow your loved ones to feel calmer and happier. At the same time, crosswords also provide a meaningful context for patients to focus and revisit their memory for answers. Whenever a word is being retrieved, the memory associated with the word is strengthened and this encourages brain activity.
Bingo
Bingo is an easy game to understand and play. It can stimulate memories, thought processes and other cognitive functions, which are beneficial to dementia patients. Bingo comes in many variations that allow people in varying stages of dementia and with varying abilities to play. The typical rules of Bingo require a player to distinguish numbers or letters, while some variations require the matching of colors or shapes. Bingo is not just a game for a large group of people; small groups of two to three can also enjoy the game. Furthermore, playing Bingo is a good chance for you to interact and spend time with your loved ones.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi involves slow movements and is an incredibly safe and gentle exercise that dementia patients can practice. In fact, tai chi can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. A report from the Mayo Clinic states that up to 70 percent of people with dementia also show signs of depression. Practicing tai chi is known to help in overcoming depression as it allows your loved ones to have more confidence in themselves when they are able to do the exercises. As tai chi is a group activity, it can alleviate boredom or loneliness as your loved ones will be able to socialize and interact with other people while engaging in the activity.
Get the Best Memory Care at Discovery Village At Southlake
If you are looking for a senior living community that provides specialized care for dementia patients, we would like to invite you to check out our memory care program. At Discovery Village At Southlake, our SHINE® Memory Care curriculum has been awarded the Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association. Our memory care program is designed with the long-term support of your loved ones in mind, and we have a personalized care plan for every resident to keep them meaningfully engaged. We warmly invite you and your loved ones to meet our staff and tour our beautiful grounds. Learn more about our memory care program today!
