Alzheimer’s impairs the memory, but there are activities seniors can do each day to help maintain a small part of the memory and cognitive skills often lost during various stages of the disease. Waterloo Alzheimer’s care professionals identify 5 hobbies seniors with Alzheimer’s can try.
1. Puzzles
Crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles are ways to keep seniors focused on words and puzzle pieces. Make sure the words in crossword puzzles or word searches are easy for your loved one to see. You can also create a large crossword or wordsearch on the wall with giant letters for better visibility. Your loved one can attempt jigsaw puzzles with fewer pieces, such as those for children, or those with large pieces.
2. Painting
Some seniors enjoy expressing themselves with colors. Painting can be a fun way for your loved one to draw what he or she is thinking. Get a canvas, paintbrushes, and oil or watercolors for your loved one and let him or her express some creativity.
3. Gardening
Gardening is a repetitive activity, which is something many people with Alzheimer’s need. Your loved one can plant herbs in a small area of the home, tending to them as he or she would a larger garden. If you are at home regularly, consider taking your loved one outside to help with a larger garden. Your loved one could use a pail to water the plants or gather herbs that are ready to be picked.
4. Scavenger Hunts
Give your loved one a list of items to find in a grocery store or a small retail store. Provide pictures of what to look for in the hunt. This activity will keep your loved one’s mind occupied and thinking about the present.
5. Videos and Pictures
Create a scrapbook with pictures of the family. Talk about old times, special people, and events in your loved one’s life. Sometimes, seeing pictures and videos can trigger good memories instead of sad ones.
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, consider hiring a caregiver to help him or her manage the symptoms. At KW Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are trained to provide in-home care Waterloo families can count on. We provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s and dementia care services, and our caregivers can help boost your loved one’s cognitive function, delay memory loss, and promote independence with the help of our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method. Call (519) 954-2111 today to find out more about our care plans that can be customized to meet your loved one’s unique needs.