Engaging Activities for Loved Ones with Dementia: A Guide for Family Members
January 20, 2023

What are some activities you can do for loved ones with dementia?

Pick the right activities

The right activities play a significant part in the prevention of accidents and can help slow mental decline. Enjoy them! Even more important, you can find activities to enjoy with your loved ones and family. Oftentimes, family members do not know what to do when they visit. I have included a chart below to inspire new ideas, overcoming the ‘worry’ of “what do I do” for kids and family visiting.

Occupation

A key term to consider is occupation. Occupations are the activities that people do daily to give their life meaning and purpose. For many moms and dads, it is taking care of children. For some, it is oriented around a career. Others may be oriented around the community. Remember how important it is to think about who your parent was before dementia? If you haven’t yet read it, check out the blog I wrote on starting with the right mindset.

Picking the right activities

Identifying the right activities is key to enjoying time and helping your parents. Activities should…

  • Compensate for lost abilities 
  • Promote their self-esteem
  • Hold onto residual skills 
  • Provide a chance for enjoyment, pleasure, and social contact. 
  • Keeping a daily routine.


Purpose Activity With Your Loved One
Your goals Engage. Encouraging your loved one to do as much as possible for themselves when involving self-care. Feeding, dressing, bathing, and grooming are important.
Uniqueness Know the person’s work history. What are their hobbies? What are their social interests? Significant life activities? Spiritual preferences? Family dynamics? Are they a veteran? Do they love to travel? What are their cultural preferences?
Activities should re-establish old roles What was their former job?
Relaxation and pleasure Getting a foot rub, or a message
Activities should have meaning to them Write a letter to a soldier
Keep them simple and unhurried Listening to music
Activities should be dignified Read a book to their grandchild
Activities should include a sensory experience Petting a cat or dog
Emphasis reminiscent Looking through old photos

Navigating Life After Stroke

By Jim Schug • November 30, 2023
Navigating life after a stroke is a unique journey, and understanding the intricacies of each individual's experience is crucial. The specific area of the brain affected by the stroke becomes a guiding factor in tailoring a rehabilitation program that aligns with the needs of the survivor. As we embark on this path to recovery, it's essentiaAl to consider the lifestyle someone led before the stroke—a roadmap of their independence and daily activities. As an expert in helping people recovery after strokes, I ask them to consider a 'bigger picture'. Take a moment to reflect on your loved one's pre-stroke routine. Were they living independently, driving, cooking meals, and participating in social activities? These aspects provide valuable insights into their baseline level of functioning and can help shape a personalized recovery plan. For those who lived alone before the stroke, an additional layer of consideration emerges: Is their current living situation conducive to a safe and supportive recovery? This question becomes particularly pertinent when assessing the feasibility of returning to their previous dwelling. Safety and well-being take precedence in this evaluation. Crafting a comprehensive recovery plan is not only beneficial for the stroke survivor but also for their support network, including family and medical professionals. The initial stages of the plan may involve an alternative living arrangement—a temporary setting focused on physical and cognitive improvements. This interim step can prove instrumental in laying the foundation for a successful return home. Embracing the notion that every stroke recovery journey is unique, we recognize the importance of flexibility in our approach. A recovery plan is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it's a dynamic roadmap that evolves alongside the individual's progress and changing needs. In conclusion, as we embark on the path of stroke recovery, let's consider the nuances of each survivor's life, create recovery plans that prioritize safety and progress, and foster an environment of support and understanding for both the survivor and their loved ones. Together, we can navigate the challenges of stroke recovery and empower individuals to age in place with dignity and resilience.

3 Critical Factors to Know about Stroke

By Jim Schug • November 29, 2023
Three key things to remember when you or your loved one has a stroke