Finding Daily Joy and Fun With Dementia

 

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Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It causes a continuous decline in the thinking, behavioral, and social skills that allow a person to function independently. No treatment cures Alzheimer’s disease. However, laughter may still be the best medicine.

The truth is we all feel a bit calmer, happier, and healthier after a good laugh. Laughter lifts our spirits and reduces anxiety, which is often the cause of wandering and emotional outbursts in patients.

It isn’t easy to accept that your loved one might not remember you all the time, but as a caregiver, you can improve their quality of life. Add fun-filled and creative activities to their daily routine. Help them remember pleasant memories from the past and encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy. This can lead to productive and satisfying lives because they are less likely to get stressed or show worrying behaviors

Here are few ways to spice up their day…

#1 Create a daily routine

Routine is a great source of comfort. Help them create a predictable daily routine. This will help to minimize distractions.

#2 Meaningful activities

Allow them to engage in activities that make them feel useful and good about themselves. It has to be something they enjoy doing. Select these activities based on their abilities

#3 Music

Music is food for the soul. It has a great influence on our emotions. Play the music they prefer and encourage some movement. If they want to dance, dance with them!

Nothing prepares you for this illness. However, don’t dwell on it. Value the moment shared together, the pearls of wisdom, their smile, and their humor.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

Alzheimer’s: Communication Tips for Caregivers

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Have you ever felt this frustration when your loved one forgets meeting a person or even knowing them at all? How often have you said, “You know him, Dad, you met him last week at dinner”, or “you remember, we went there yesterday?”

These phrases have no relevance to those with Alzheimer’s. These people have issues with thinking and remembering how to manage their life. Their symptoms range from short-term memory loss to personality changes like depression and mood swings.

These effects can be overwhelming—your world has been turned upside down, and you find it difficult to communicate with them.

 

Keep calm and follow these tips:

#1 Clear all distractions

Whenever you want to talk to them, noisy interruptions can distract both of you. Always chose a quiet and peaceful environment for your conversations.

#2 Listen

This is needed for individuals with memory impairment. Learn to listen to them. Resist the temptation to butt in with a comment. Give them the time and space to express themselves.

#3 Use memory cues

Photos and letters can help you jog memories. How about sitting together while checking out old pictures? This is soothing and therapeutic.

#4 Don’t correct or contradict

Refrain from quizzing them, even when you don’t agree with what they are saying. Try to stop yourself from correcting them.

#5 Respond with affection

People with dementia often feel anxious, confused, and unsure of themselves. Sometimes holding hands and responding with expressions of support and reassurance will put them at ease.

Through all these difficult moments, always remember that:

Those with dementia are still people, they still have stories, they still have character, and they are all unique, and they need to be treated as humans.

 

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

 Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com