Picking Activities for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
Staying Active with Alzheimer’s
Living with Alzheimer’s is not an end to one’s social life. In fact, not only can activities be adapted, but they can also be used as therapy. This “therapy” can be helpful to one who is suffering from feeling constantly flustered and having low quality of life.
Shortly after someone develops Alzheimer’s, they begin to slow down and back away from normal actives they used to always enjoy. If you are a caregiver to them, it is very important that you encourage them to stay engaged and active in these activities and in their every day routine and lifestyle as much as possible. The key is constant communication. Be open about everything. Allow your loved one feel safe about expressing any concerns they may have when you talk about any schedule changes. Keep reading below for tips on helping an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s adjust to a new routine while maintaining the same activities they always have loved.
Be aware of how strenuous the activity may be, and how quickly they tire.
Keep them involved in actives they have always enjoyed and been good at that can be easily adapted when needed.
Notice if your loved one needs direction or not to start.
As the Alzheimer’s advances, introduce actives that have repetitive steps.
Be observant of time. Does your loved one work better in the morning, afternoon, or night? Which tasks are they better at at what time of day?
Be mindful of their favorite activities and keep them in the mix.
Find tasks that help them feel needed, such as household chores.
Remember that your loved one having fun is more important than accomplishment. They will learn and grow in time. The most important thing is that they have fun while they learn.