Working Caregivers:
Eldercare and Older-Adult Information and Referral Center
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- Activities for People with Dementia Symptoms
Helpful, Enjoyable Activities for People with Alzheimer's or other Dementia Symptoms
The quality of life for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is largely dependent on their interactions and relationships with others. It's important to treat the person as an adult and with respect.
Often family, friends and caregivers of Alzheimer’s sufferers need help in choosing and involving patients in activities that can improve both the patient and the caregiver’s quality of life.
Frustration, agitation, depression, and anger are some of the most troublesome symptoms exhibited by patients. These symptoms as well as wandering --a common behavior in mid-stage and advanced Alzheimer’s-- can be minimized by involvement in meaningful activities. Having a steady routine will also instill a sense of stability.
In addition to the need for structure, routine, and individualized activities, patients also need “no-fail” activities. Because of the loss of cognitive abilities, failure becomes a too-often occurrence in the patient’s everyday life. “No-fail” activities boost self-esteem and give a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Activities will be most successful when the individual’s interests and abilities are considered. Ask about their life history. Have them tell you as much as they can about their interests, hobbies, and desires. Look through old photo albums and mementos. Just because a person hasn’t involved themselves in an activity they once loved in recent years doesn’t mean that interest can’t be rekindled. Encourage family members and friends to pick out activities in which they would also enjoy participating.
Although some ideas for activities may sound simple, for example folding clothes or dusting furniture, they do provide a connection with the everyday activities of life Alzheimer’s sufferers sometimes feel cut off from.
The level of cognitive functioning should also be considered when planning activities. Pay attention to which activities give enjoyment and which cause frustration. Always be willing to adjust to reactions and don’t hold the patient accountable if an activity is not completed. Provide lots of praise. You can never be too positive and encouraging!
Music is one of the best, most effective ways to create a calm, soothing environment. Along with the soothing effect of simply listening, participation also provides an opportunity for patients with musical or vocal skills to “show off” and boost their sense of worth and provide enjoyment to listeners.
Often family, friends and caregivers of Alzheimer’s sufferers need help in choosing and involving patients in activities that can improve both the patient and the caregiver’s quality of life.
Frustration, agitation, depression, and anger are some of the most troublesome symptoms exhibited by patients. These symptoms as well as wandering --a common behavior in mid-stage and advanced Alzheimer’s-- can be minimized by involvement in meaningful activities. Having a steady routine will also instill a sense of stability.
In addition to the need for structure, routine, and individualized activities, patients also need “no-fail” activities. Because of the loss of cognitive abilities, failure becomes a too-often occurrence in the patient’s everyday life. “No-fail” activities boost self-esteem and give a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Activities will be most successful when the individual’s interests and abilities are considered. Ask about their life history. Have them tell you as much as they can about their interests, hobbies, and desires. Look through old photo albums and mementos. Just because a person hasn’t involved themselves in an activity they once loved in recent years doesn’t mean that interest can’t be rekindled. Encourage family members and friends to pick out activities in which they would also enjoy participating.
Although some ideas for activities may sound simple, for example folding clothes or dusting furniture, they do provide a connection with the everyday activities of life Alzheimer’s sufferers sometimes feel cut off from.
The level of cognitive functioning should also be considered when planning activities. Pay attention to which activities give enjoyment and which cause frustration. Always be willing to adjust to reactions and don’t hold the patient accountable if an activity is not completed. Provide lots of praise. You can never be too positive and encouraging!
Music is one of the best, most effective ways to create a calm, soothing environment. Along with the soothing effect of simply listening, participation also provides an opportunity for patients with musical or vocal skills to “show off” and boost their sense of worth and provide enjoyment to listeners.
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