Dementia and Alzheimer’s – How to improve daily life.
Article by Debbie Harris
Boredom and frustration are the two most common causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You can help to alleviate this by understanding and implementing some simple ways to keep a sufferers occupied and stimulated. This will improve their well-being, give them pleasure and boost their confidence.
Exercise.Exercise burns up the adrenalin produced by stress and frustration, and produces endorphins, which can promote feelings of happiness.Remaining physically active can have a significant affect on a persons well-being. Exercising together will be beneficial to the person with dementia and anyone accompanying them.
Reminders of the past. People with dementia can often remember the distant past more easily than recent events. If you can find a way to help trigger the more distant, pleasant memories, the person may become more animated and interested – try using picture books or old photos. Avoid asking very specific questions that require factual responses and could put the person on the spot ? the main aim is to enjoy the memories rather than to make the person feel tested in any way.
Expressing feelings. Some types of activity can help the person to express their feelings- Familiar music has been shown to be particularly beneficial in recent studies. Painting, writing or sketching can also be helpful to create an emotional release.
Maintain everyday activities.Someone in the early stages of dementia may want to continue doing the things they have always done. Activities such as reading, typing or playing the piano are not always affected. If you are close to someone with early dementia, be aware of the danger of taking over jobs and tasks too quickly in an attempt to minimise your own stress.
Involving others.Consider inviting other people (including paid workers, family members or volunteers) to spend time with the person to do something they both enjoy ? for example, going for a walk, playing a game of cards or going to the pub.
Activity ideas.Creating collages from magazines, or knitting. Someone who has been a skilful knitter may still be able to knit squares for a blanket. * Puzzles, someone who has enjoyed doing crosswords may still enjoy a puzzle book. * Cards or board games,Gardening or baking. Men and women alike can enjoy helping with washing and drying up, setting the table or making beds, the end result may not be perfect, but it can give an important sense of achievement. The person might be surprisingly interested in odd jobs, such as sorting through a drawer or a toolbox. Music ? Even when other abilities are severely affected, many people still enjoy singing, dancing and listening to music. * Listening to the radio.Television can cause some difficulties as some people with dementia lose the ability to tell the difference between what is real and what is on screen, and can become distressed and confused by too much noise. Try using earphones as this has been shown to help concentration.
Communal activities. If the person has a connection with an organisation within the local community, whether it is a church, a pub or a club, then continuing to visit this place might be very important
Activities during the later stages of dementia.As a person’s dementia advances, they will still be able to carry out some tasks that are very familiar to them, but will probably be more interested in the process of doing the activity than in the end result. If this is the case with someone close to you, look for ‘magic moments’ throughout the day rather than trying to carry out sustained activities.
Sensory stimulation.During the later stages of dementia people often develop severe difficulties with reasoning and language, but they will still have their sense of taste, touch and smell. There are various things you can do to stimulate these senses -* Encourage the person to touch or stroke pieces of fabric, dolls or cuddly toys. Try giving the person a hand massage, using a scented oil such as lavender. This can be very soothing for those who enjoy touch. * Continue to take the time to sit and talk to the person or to read out loud. * Enable the person to see a fish tank, mobile or a window with a nice view. Make sure the person has a regular change of scene and the stimulation of the fresh air and the outdoor environment.
About the Author
Debbie Harris is a Dignity Champion who owns http://www.best-care-home.co.uk an online register of 3 star care homes. She has sourced a range of gifts and helpful items to encourage sufferers of dementia to lead a full and interesting life. ‘ http://www.best-care-home.co.uk/gifts_dementia.php.