Why are dementia-friendly activities important?
Having a range of dementia activities available to keep a person with dementia entertained and active.. It will help reduce feelings of frustration and aggression and has several positive outcomes such as:
Help to maintain independence
Help to maintain skills
Allow communication and expression of feelings
Improve self-esteem
Encourage interaction
To get the most from your activities having a varied activities program that includes physical, mental, social, creative, and sensory activities will help cater to all residents and encourage involvement.
Stimulating the mind
Recommendations given in the 2011 World Alzheimer’s Report suggest that routinely providing individualized cognitive stimulation to those with mild to moderate stages of dementia can produce short-term improvements and/or reduce the decline in cognitive function. Some suggested activities are:
Puzzles and games
Jigsaws
Audiobooks/Storytelling
Creative activities such as painting or flower arranging
Encouraging sociability
It is important to encourage a person living with dementia to interact with those around them. It has many positive benefits, such as maintaining good physical health, encouraging a healthier outlook, and improved sleep patterns. Popular social activities are:
Singing
Wine and cheese evenings
Coffee mornings and afternoon teas
Knit and natter classes
Keeping active
Keeping a person with dementia active and involved in life can greatly improve their quality of life by reducing agitation, and improving sleep and nutrition.
Create interactive themed areas to giving someone a place to walk to or a destination with a purpose. Some of the most popular themes are:
For more information on creating and using a themed area download our guide here Creating a dementia-friendly environment for residents
Reminiscing
Reminiscing is a terrific way to find out more about the residents’ such as their likes and dislikes. It helps individuals with dementia to remember events, people, and places from their past. It helps to develop positive feelings reducing stress and agitation. Suggested reminiscing ideas are:
The above are just a few suggestions the help keep a person with dementia active. Not every resident is the same or has the same capabilities but adapting to the needs of the individual resident is more beneficial than not doing the activity at all.
Environmental Visit
We understand it can be difficult to know where to start and how to implement environmental changes for the maximum benefit of all involved in the process that is why we offer an Environmental Visit which will provide you with all the recommendations you need.
To find out more complete the form on the link below and one of our advisors will get back to you.
