5 Perfect Activities to Keep Seniors with Alzheimer’s Busy

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Caring for an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s disease means there may be times throughout the day when he or she needs to stay busy while you focus on other things. Though it’s easy to just turn on the television, try one of these activities that may reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms.

  1. Reading Aloud

Your loved one may have a difficult time reading and comprehending words, but he or she may still enjoy listening to a book. Taking the time to read to your loved one each day can be a soothing activity. When the time doesn’t allow, try downloading an audiobook for your loved one to listen to. An activity that keeps the hands occupied while listening, such as rubbing a tactile blanket, can reduce fidgeting.

There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading homecare provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

  1. Playing with Animals

Animals can be very therapeutic for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Your loved one may enjoy spending time with a therapy dog, visiting the animals at the zoo, or going with you to volunteer at a local animal shelter. At home, your loved one can continue to stay busy by “caring” for a stuffed animal of his or her choosing. He or she may enjoy petting the soft animal and combing its hair.

  1. Making a Sensory Bin

Seniors with Alzheimer’s often wring or rub their hands together when they feel anxious or nervous. Help your loved one calm down with a sensory bin. Sensory bins help with fine motor skills and promote focus. To make a sensory bin, fill a small plastic box with a variety of items of different shapes, sizes, and textures. Make sure none of the objects are too small, as this might pose a choking hazard should your loved one put an item in his or her mouth.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands, a leading provider of senior home care Potomac, MD, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

  1. Making Bird Feeders

If your loved one used to enjoy sewing or knitting but is no longer able to do so, threading cereal on a string to use as a bird feeder can be a good alternative activity. Simply tape one end of a piece of string to the table and give your loved one a bowl of popcorn or cereal such as Froot Loops or Cheerios. Attach a large plastic needle to the opposite end of the string and show your loved one how to string the food onto it. Hang the bird feeder outside the window so your loved one can enjoy watching the birds eat the snack.

  1. Playing Games that Involve Fine Motor Skills 

Seniors with Alzheimer’s may have a difficult time with fine motor skills. Playing games can strengthen the hands. There are a variety of games and activities your loved one can play. For example, try giving your loved one brightly colored clothespins to attach to a card, or have him or her sort coins, stack cups, or pick up “spilled” cereal or M&Ms and put them in a container.

If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elder care. Potomac families can rely on Assisting Hands to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. We help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we encourage mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (301) 363-2580 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.