Interactive Activities with Dementia Patients

Dementia is a degenerative brain disorder whose symptoms appear at a later age; in most cases, this is most often after the age of 60. This disorder affects memory, cognitive abilities, behavior, and the capacity to work or do daily tasks. Statistics have shown that there are approximately 50 million people affected by this illness all around the world. The symptoms of dementia can vary in extremities in every individual; not every patient will show the same level of the disorder. However, almost every dementia patient in palliative care will show results of this disease’s severity.

Gentle Transitions is a one-of-a-kind family-based hospice that you can refer to for all things hospice. Waco, Texas, has a senior population that needs a hospice like Gentle Transitions, one that can take care of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The activities we offer our dementia/Alzheimer’s patients are interactive, mindful of their condition, and helpful in their overall care.

Here are some helpful activities for dementia patients. It allows loved ones of the dementia patients to also participate and spend time with them:

· Activity apron: This is a fun and wholesome activity where patients at any stage of dementia are given a special apron/bib that stimulates their visual and tactile senses. The apron engages patients with dementia and even those with Alzheimer’s with its vibrant colors and designs/textures. With its deep knowledge of these disorders, Gentle Transitions aims to be a caring provider that goes beyond being just a traditional hospice Waco and its surrounding areas have nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, and Gentle Transitions will donate these ‘busy bibs’ to them.

· Physical activity: Light-hearted workouts and exercise can stimulate motor skills and create positive feelings within patients. Physical activity can include walking in a park and water aerobics. However, be mindful of the physical and cognitive condition of the individual with dementia.

· Be around nature: A trip to a national park, a small berry-picking excursion, or some time dedicated to gardening can positively impact patients.

· Music therapy: Music is a powerful tool that soothes and relaxes people. It can be a source of comfort and a reminder of their lives so far. Sometimes nostalgia is all they need; hence, assist dementia patients in reliving their past.

· Art Therapy: Artistic activities can help dementia patients exercise their cognitive abilities. Provide dementia patients with art supplies, such as paint, knitting materials, clay, colors, and crayons, and let them express themselves.

These are just some examples of collaborative activities that you can enjoy with your loved ones and/or patients with dementia/Alzheimer’s. There are many more ways to help them escape their condition, even for a little while. For example, you can go on a picnic, solve puzzles together, play chess with them, read their favorite books to them, etc. Our staff is ready to receive your elderly loved one and provide these activities to them, these activities are also great for veterans. Waco long term care providers that offer these activities are few and far between, and Gentle Transitions Hospice is proud to be one of them.