Circulation is paramount not only to the health of our cardiovascular system and our mobility, but also to our brain function and eye sight. Silver Sneakers is a program offered through insurance companies. It cuts the costs so as to encourage seniors to be able to take advantage of the benefits of going to a gym. Since not everyone is up to going out to the gym to exercise, or may not be able to on a daily basis, a walk around the block or even around the yard can be beneficial. If walking is not an option due to ability or weather, there are chair exercises. YouTube has many choices and they are quite fun. As little as 20 minutes a day, can still make a huge difference.
Television: This seems like a no brainer. At one facility, they consistently watched old movies, even though the residents just stared off into space, each one alone at a table. While visiting at another nursing home, I saw the patients sitting together watching sports or comedy. When a person is starting to show signs of dementia, it can be difficult to follow to a whole movie, especially if it has many characters, a plot and subplots. A better choice would be 30 minute shows, such as sitcoms, game shows, sports, or local news, depending on the interests of the individual. Sitcoms are great, in that, even if they cannot follow the story, there are many funny comments to enjoy. Although, my mother had loved detective shows, now she just stares at the screen, because it is too much to follow, but nonetheless, disturbing. Whereas Roseann or the Andy Griffith Show makes her smile and laugh. Waltons is her absolute favorite.
Let's not forget reading to grandchildren or even to you. Try to incorporate your loved-one into the daily routine, by having them read the recipe as you are cooking, even if you know it by heart anyway. Ask them to flip through a cookbook or magazine to pick out a recipe for a dinner or lunch and jot down the page numbers. If balance is not an issue, invest in a non-electric sweeper so they can help. Crossword puzzles for elementary or middle school, depending on your loved-one's ability can be enjoyable. Try looking at homeschool resource websites for puzzles that are interesting, but not too tough. Another great reading activity is letting the children practice reading to them! This is mutually beneficial. It is mentally stimulating for the senior and gives the child a way to help, while increasing their own ability. The senior also feels needed by helping the child by listening to them read, and maybe helping them if they get stuck on a word.
Being an active part of the family is important. Feeling useful and needed are so important to our emotional health. Household tasks that your senior can help with, even if they are not perfect, are important. Try not to be critical if the task is not done how you would do it, if they are happy with their results, just say "thank you." The longer they can help; the longer they will keep the ability to help and this delays their increased dependency on you. I know if you have taken on this responsibility; you expect that they may need you to fill all their needs eventually, but it is better for both of you to delay increased dependence as long as possible.
If the senior used to like to sew, try having them do simple mending or check out lap quilting. It is very simple and inexpensive. The squares can be made into tote bags, pillows, hot pads or larger projects. Fleece tie blankets or pillows can be fun and Paint by number kits, or other simple crafts at a craft store is healthy mental stimulation. Even simple tasks such as chopping vegetables, dusting with a feather duster, folding clothes and sorting socks are good.
Television: This seems like a no brainer. At one facility, they consistently watched old movies, even though the residents just stared off into space, each one alone at a table. While visiting at another nursing home, I saw the patients sitting together watching sports or comedy. When a person is starting to show signs of dementia, it can be difficult to follow to a whole movie, especially if it has many characters, a plot and subplots. A better choice would be 30 minute shows, such as sitcoms, game shows, sports, or local news, depending on the interests of the individual. Sitcoms are great, in that, even if they cannot follow the story, there are many funny comments to enjoy. Although, my mother had loved detective shows, now she just stares at the screen, because it is too much to follow, but nonetheless, disturbing. Whereas Roseann or the Andy Griffith Show makes her smile and laugh. Waltons is her absolute favorite.
Let's not forget reading to grandchildren or even to you. Try to incorporate your loved-one into the daily routine, by having them read the recipe as you are cooking, even if you know it by heart anyway. Ask them to flip through a cookbook or magazine to pick out a recipe for a dinner or lunch and jot down the page numbers. If balance is not an issue, invest in a non-electric sweeper so they can help. Crossword puzzles for elementary or middle school, depending on your loved-one's ability can be enjoyable. Try looking at homeschool resource websites for puzzles that are interesting, but not too tough. Another great reading activity is letting the children practice reading to them! This is mutually beneficial. It is mentally stimulating for the senior and gives the child a way to help, while increasing their own ability. The senior also feels needed by helping the child by listening to them read, and maybe helping them if they get stuck on a word.
Being an active part of the family is important. Feeling useful and needed are so important to our emotional health. Household tasks that your senior can help with, even if they are not perfect, are important. Try not to be critical if the task is not done how you would do it, if they are happy with their results, just say "thank you." The longer they can help; the longer they will keep the ability to help and this delays their increased dependency on you. I know if you have taken on this responsibility; you expect that they may need you to fill all their needs eventually, but it is better for both of you to delay increased dependence as long as possible.
If the senior used to like to sew, try having them do simple mending or check out lap quilting. It is very simple and inexpensive. The squares can be made into tote bags, pillows, hot pads or larger projects. Fleece tie blankets or pillows can be fun and Paint by number kits, or other simple crafts at a craft store is healthy mental stimulation. Even simple tasks such as chopping vegetables, dusting with a feather duster, folding clothes and sorting socks are good.