Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease need plenty of support for their daily needs. However, this doesn’t mean that they must lead static or uninteresting lives. In fact, quite the opposite is true. With help from a memory care senior living program, your loved one can develop a fulfilling day-to-day routine. Such a routine can and should include a variety of enjoyable activities. As long as you take certain precautions, more options are available than you might think.
If you are interested in learning more about activities to do with someone with Alzheimer’s, reach out to our team at Parkway Place. Our team provides activities for Alzheimer’s patients in our memory care program. Contact us today by calling 281.305.1846 or contacting us online.
Choosing Things to Do with Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s
People with Alzheimer’s often withdraw from participating in various kinds of activities. Unfortunately, that can include activities that they once dearly loved. It’s crucial to understand that such a withdrawal is often unnecessary. Most affected people can stay quite active, especially in the earlier stages of the disease. You can support this continued activity by following certain guidelines when choosing things to do.
Common expert recommendations include:
- Sticking to options that match your loved one’s current skills and abilities
- Focusing on activities that you know your loved one has enjoyed in the past
- Taking note of any physical health issues that might alter your plans
- Making enjoyment the goal rather than accomplishment
- Matching specific activities to the right time of day
It’s also essential to take the progression of your loved one’s Alzheimer’s into account. Activities that worked well last month or last year may not work as well today.
Types of Activities to Do with Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s
There are few set-in-stone limits on the types of activities to do with someone who has Alzheimer’s. Each case is different, and options that work for your loved one may or may not work for someone else.
Depending on your situation, favored activities may include things such as:
- Cooking or baking
- Going for walks
- Taking part in other kinds of exercise
- Doing household chores
- Visiting with friends or other family members
- Maintaining a garden
- Dancing
- Singing songs or playing music
- Attending church
- Watching TV
Planning Activities for Alzheimer’s Patients
When it comes to choosing activities for Alzheimer’s patients, proper planning is crucial. Why? Things that may have seemed simple in the past may now pose serious logistical challenges.
Take going out to eat as an example. Before your loved one developed Alzheimer’s, you may simply have hopped in the car and headed to a local restaurant. But now, you must take a number of factors into account. Those factors may include the restaurant’s noise level and layout. They may also include how busy the restaurant will be, as well as details of the menu. In addition, you must take the staff’s willingness to accommodate your loved one’s needs into account.
All of this may seem like a lot. But with practice, you can develop an effective planning routine that makes the process easier to complete. Rest assured, the time you spend planning can yield significant dividends in terms of your loved one’s enjoyment level.
Learn More About Things to Do with Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s at Parkway Place
Would you like more advice on enjoyable things to do with someone who has Alzheimer’s? Turn to our specialists at Parkway Place. We have the experience and expertise needed to assist you, regardless of your situation.
Parkway Place is also your source for high-quality senior memory care. Our comprehensive program provides the crucial daily support required by your affected loved one. We’re committed to helping make life as pleasurable and fulfilling as possible. To learn more, just call us today at 281.305.1846. We’re also available through our convenient online form.