Playing games and sharing meaningful activities with loved ones is one of the best ways to encourage social interaction. This is particularly true for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's who benefit greatly from both the cognitive stimulation and the connection with others. Caregivers are able to provide an important source of entertainment and relaxation simply by introducing games.
The challenge, of course, is to adapt and customize activities to match individual abilities. Finding and participating in the right games has unmatched benefits and rewards for seniors in your care in Whittier-Downey. Here are five games and activities that could make a difference.
Timeless Entertainment With Colorful Jigsaw Puzzles
Nothing gives you a greater sense of accomplishment than completing a jigsaw puzzle. Working with others to put a puzzle together keeps seniors engaged and helps improve short-term memory. Jigsaw puzzles come in many levels of ease or difficulty and are available in a multitude of different scenes and designs. They are the ideal activity for all levels of ability.
What are the benefits of jigsaw puzzles? Jigsaw puzzles encourage visual-spatial reasoning, improve problem-solving skills, and lift spirits, according to Dementia Talk.
Personalized Expression With Scrapbooking
Making a scrapbook gives seniors the opportunity to collect memories and save their own favorite things. All you need to start is a photo album or binder, glue or tape, and a few decorative options like stickers or glitter. Seniors can add photos, doodles, magazine cutouts, or anything that has special meaning to them. Scrapbooking encourages memory recall and fosters creativity.
What are the benefits of scrapbooking? Scrapbooking increases self-esteem and helps start conversations. It provides a sense of enjoyment to those with dementia or Alzheimer's and is sure to be a treasured memento for years to come.
Improve Mood and Well-Being With Music
Music is powerful therapy that often transcends even the later stages of dementia. Studies have shown that music positively impacts brain function and wards off depression. Listening and singing along to a favorite piece of music might be one of the best parts of a care plan in Whittier-Downey. Depending on ability, people with dementia can also express themselves by dancing or playing a musical instrument.
What are the benefits of music therapy? Music-based activities invoke instinctive responses shown to trigger positive feelings and encourage communication.
The Soothing Nature of Growing Green Plants
The healing power of plants and the natural world has been known for centuries. There is something about working or just strolling in the garden that eases the mind and brings out the best in people. For those with Alzheimer's, this is particularly true. Even without access to an outdoor garden, seniors benefit from the overall sensory-stimulating effects of growing their own indoor plants.
What are the benefits of growing plants? Taking care of plants helps improve sleep and restore calm in dementia patients. The National Library of Medicine cites horticultural activity as an important and positive aspect of senior care.
Visual Games Reinforce Memory Functions
Picture-rich games both online or tabletop offer seniors the opportunity to have fun while promoting healthy mental stimulation. Games like PicLink feature creative storytelling photo pictures designed especially for group activity. Colorful cards depicting several real-life subjects can be categorized in varying ways. Online visual games like Mahjong also sharpen cognitive skills and help keep aging minds alert.
What are the benefits of visual games? Playing visual-oriented games helps to reinforce the memory process while it encourages creativity and social interaction.
Choosing Senior Helpers Can Help Make a Difference
Senior Helpers is your number one resource for providing compassionate care for those you love. We offer a wide range of individualized services streamlined to meet your needs. Contact us anytime and let us know how you get the peace of mind you deserve by knowing your loved ones are living the best lives they can.