Research has shown that people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss resulting from strokes or other conditions, can greatly benefit from meaningful activity into their daily life.
With meaningful activity, they are more likely to:
- Feel happier and less frustrated
- Sleep better
- Have fewer challenging behavior
Research also shows that their caregivers are also likely to feel less stress and more enjoy their relationship and time together.
What are Meaningful Activities?
Meaningful activities are typically those that people have felt are important or valuable throughout their lives. They are what gives life meaning. Commonly these activities relate back to taking care of one’s home, family, or career. They often include activities that involve taking care of others, or helping other people. What is meaningful for one person may not be for the next, and as such, meaningful activities will vary from person to person.
Set Activities up for Success
Activities should be set up for success. They often need to be simplified so that the person can engage in them without frustration. Keep in mind that it isn’t the end result that matters; it’s the process itself, and the emotions the person feels throughout the activity. It doesn’t matter if the activity is finished correctly — or at all — as long as the person feels good about it.
Examples of Meaningful Activities
Examples of meaningful activities might include:
Cooking
Shucking corn, shelling peas, destringing beans, peeling vegetables, stirring soup, or adding ingredients into a dish are simple, meaningful activities for those who enjoy cooking.
Gardening
Working in the garden, planting seeds, pulling weeds, deadheading flowers or harvesting vegetables are healthy activities that feel rewarding for many seniors.
Flower Arrangements
Arranging cut flowers into a vase is an easy and wonderful way for people to express their creativity and add beauty to their environment.
Setting the Table
While setting the table may be too complicated of a task without some simple set up, by breaking it down into segments — putting out the plates first, then the forks, then the spoons, etc — it becomes more manageable.
Folding Laundry
Folding shirts might be too complicated, but pairing socks or folding washcloths is easier for many.
Light Housework
Dusting, sweeping, and drying dishes are easy, repetitive motions that can enable a person with dementia to contribute.
Walking the Dog
Taking care of a pet can be very rewarding. Taking a dog for a walk is a great way to be helpful while getting some exercise.
More Meaningful Activities
There are endless examples of potentially meaningful activities:
- Arranging Photographs
- Going for a Walk
- Going to Church
- Exercise
- Social Groups or Interaction
- Sorting Costume Jewelry
- Sorting Paperwork
- Listening to Music
Supplement Meaningful Activity for Best Results
These suggestions can be used by family caregivers of people with dementia. Many family caregivers also choose to supplement activity time by hiring elder care aides to come into the home and interact with the person with dementia. The benefits of this are multifold.
First, the person with dementia receives additional attention, socialization, and meaningful activity. This helps their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. It can also improve sleep, mood, and behavior. Second, the family caregiver receives an opportunity for a break to rest, recharge, or take care of other responsibilities that may be piling up. Hiring an elder care aide is a great way to supplement meaningful activity time for a senior with dementia.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Foster City, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care.
Call today: (415) 795-2203
Sources
- Six Strategies for Better Sleep for Your Elderly Loved One - December 17, 2024
- What to Look for in Senior Post-Hospital Care Providers - December 10, 2024
- Protecting Your Loved One From Falls When Visiting Family Over the Holidays - December 3, 2024
