Do you struggle starting activities with your loved one with Alzheimer’s?
After receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, your loved one may appear to withdraw from previously enjoyed activities and resist social engagements, even with family members.
Please don't give up on them.
Recreational activities, familiar hobbies, work-related pursuits, involvement in daily tasks and social interaction can help people living with Alzheimer's remain engaged and content, combat social isolation and reduce potentially dangerous wandering behavior.
BBut for caregivers, planning those activities and modifying the ways in which the activities are approached may require careful observation and compassionate consideration.
Keep your loved one’s current skills and physical abilities in mind and look for gratifying activities that match those abilities. Pay attention to the things they enjoy — which may have changed — and avoid things that make them anxious or irritable. Help with the organization of activities, getting things started and broken down into manageable, easy-to-follow steps.
And above all, be flexible. Small changes, subtle adjustments, a focus on enjoyment rather than achievement and on the process rather than the result can make a world of difference for people living with Alzheimer’s. Remember that the goal is to have a fulfilling experience with your loved one, even if it isn’t exactly the same experience you may once have shared.
For more assistance planning activities and modifying your approach to those activities for your loved one with cognitive issues, please visit the Alzheimer's Association caregiving guide at the link below. Then be sure to check out the Dementia Friendly Fort Worth (DFFW) information pages and on-line event calendar as well. DFFW has engaged the resources of many Fort Worth cultural institutions, such as the Fort Worth Opera and the Amon Carter Museum, and offers daily recreational, interactive and informational programs for anyone to enjoy from the comfort of their own home. This is truly a wonderful resource, created right here in the North Texas area!
And please also remember that the compassionate caregivers at Overture are trained to understand both the limitations and the needs of our clients with cognitive issues. We are always here to help. Call us anytime at (817) 887-9401 for a free at-home assessment.
Alzheimer's Association Guide to Activities and Approaches for People Living with Dementia
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities
Dementia Friendly Fort Worth Events Calendar, Information and Resources
https://dffw.org