Useful Daily Activities for Dementia Patients: 8 Expert Tips and Suggestions

According to common belief, dementia is an extreme form of forgetfulness that hampers daily chores. However, according to scientists, this happens when someone’s brain cells are damaged due to any reason.

It is actually a slow process where the affected person gradually forgets common activities one by one. It is difficult for them to remember faces; they forget how to brush, how to drink water, and many such common chores. This affects their body and mind, and many people succumb to this condition, inviting other biological issues.

So, does it mean that dementia reduces the life span? Or if people are detected with it, their relatives should give up on them?

Lack of awareness often leads to dubious notions, and that is where we come in. Your Dementia Therapist guides you on activities that will keep dementia patients in good condition.

8 Curricular Ideas for Dementia Patients at Home

There are some basic things, mostly constructive, that could help dementia patients to deal with their problems on a daily basis. Here are they: written and explained in an organized manner. These activities are mostly hands-on, and they include sensory stimulating activities as well.

1. Maintain an aquarium together

You can arrange for a nice colorful aquarium so that the patient (be it your parents or any other elderly people) remains engaged in its maintenance. From feeding the fishes to taking care of them or even just watching them for long hours helps their brain to a mentionable extent.

2. Play puzzles together

Solving puzzles is a wonderful activity that mentally stimulates patients who have dementia. The desire to solve it, the patience, and the endeavor all improve brain quality, and it is something one can enjoy. You can arrange a group puzzle-solving session, where the patient needs to communicate with others and that will keep their social battery full.

3. See photo albums

Digging up the past won’t have to be bad all the time because sometimes old photographs can keep dementia patients connected to their past. You can have a chitchat session with them and then see some old photographs and tell the stories behind some of the photos. Try to focus on happy and cheerful experiences and discuss them.

4. Play card games

Card games like UNO, Bingo, and many such options could be your savior. Of course, you have to know if the person affected by dementia is aware of the game or not. In that case, you can teach them and play if he or she is interested. This is an engaging activity that will keep the brain cells active.

5. Fold clothes

This should be a regular action, where the patient can try folding clothes and imitate that action again and again. This is good because they will memorize the steps and that will help with their memory.

6. Watch movies

If you can, then try watching movies or sitcoms that your family members loved to watch. It might remind their old memories and resurrect the related incidents. You have to check on them and see if the shows are improving their mental well-being or not.

7. Engage in gardening

This is a creative activity that will also keep the patients engaged with taking care of the trees. The soft flowers, grass, and some fresh fruits stimulate the brain. This has a positive impact on brains.

8. Paint on platforms

It could be a canvas or glass base; drawing or painting together can instigate the brain cells for good. This is also a good activity that has a positive result, established for a long time.

It takes compassion, love, and tireless engagement with your patients at home. You can win over their mental issues if you have patience. These are the little things in life that keep anybody going, and when someone is suffering from mental issues, those things are probably the medicines for them.

Conclusion

Try appreciating their actions so that they feel encouraged and don’t give up ever. There will be a time when all the signs of progress will be lost, and you feel like losing, but holding up is the only thing that can make it work. Reach out to other people or any social meet-ups where you can learn about dementia.