It is hard to watch someone with a brain disorder go downhill. It really doesn't matter whether the cause is Alzheimer's or something else. When people are losing control of what they can remember and do, they get agitated, angry, and stressed. If you are a caregiver looking for answers, you can find all kinds of simple activities that involve sensory therapy for dementia patients.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards might bring a lot of enjoyment to the person in your care. It could even open a dialog about memories. You will need cardboard pieces, flower petals, fresh herbs, spices, perfumed paper, or anything else you can think of with a pleasant smell. You could ask the loved one if the aromas remind her of anything.
Finger painting is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to express themselves and increase their dexterity a little as the same time. You can purchase finger paints for a few dollars in the arts and crafts section of a big box store or make your own. If you decide to make the paint yourself, you will need cornstarch, food coloring, gelatin, and some water.
Kids love to sort coins, and this is an occupation your Alzheimer's patient might like as well. If you are in the habit of emptying your pockets at night and dumping loose change in a coin jar, you won't need much else in the way of supplies. You can add some glass bowls around the jar, and ask the patient to help you sort out your coins by placing pennies, dimes, and quarters together.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
Popping bubble wrap drives some people crazy. Others love it and will pop the bubbles until they are gone. There is something soothing to people about this activity. An Alzheimer's patient can do it without having to leave a favorite chair. Bubble wrap is easy to find at office supplies stores, and doesn't cost much for a big roll.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
Sometimes the simple games played by small kids can bring enjoyment to an Alzheimer's patient. The items necessary are things you may already have around the house. If you don't have them, you can pick them up for a few dollars at big box or dollar stores. A sensory bag is nothing more than a plastic bag filled with water beads and small objects. The object of the game is to identify the items in the bag.
Scented cards might bring a lot of enjoyment to the person in your care. It could even open a dialog about memories. You will need cardboard pieces, flower petals, fresh herbs, spices, perfumed paper, or anything else you can think of with a pleasant smell. You could ask the loved one if the aromas remind her of anything.
Finger painting is a great way for Alzheimer's patients to express themselves and increase their dexterity a little as the same time. You can purchase finger paints for a few dollars in the arts and crafts section of a big box store or make your own. If you decide to make the paint yourself, you will need cornstarch, food coloring, gelatin, and some water.
Kids love to sort coins, and this is an occupation your Alzheimer's patient might like as well. If you are in the habit of emptying your pockets at night and dumping loose change in a coin jar, you won't need much else in the way of supplies. You can add some glass bowls around the jar, and ask the patient to help you sort out your coins by placing pennies, dimes, and quarters together.
A loop board is a good activity for those who still have some dexterity and patience. You will need a wooden board, cord, and some screw eyes. You might paint the board and add decorative designs that correspond to the screw placement. Threading the cord through the screws may be something you and the patient have to do together.
Popping bubble wrap drives some people crazy. Others love it and will pop the bubbles until they are gone. There is something soothing to people about this activity. An Alzheimer's patient can do it without having to leave a favorite chair. Bubble wrap is easy to find at office supplies stores, and doesn't cost much for a big roll.
Taking care of an elderly dementia patient every day requires planning and creativity. You never know what will cause them to become anxious or angry. You have to be ready to distract them. Simple childhood activities are faster and easier than more complicated recreational diversions. If you can get the loved one to relax, or ease her stress for a few minutes, the effort will be worth it.
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When you are looking for information about sensory therapy for dementia patients, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.vizuallyspeaking.ca now.
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