10 Fun Family Activities for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

​Spending time with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Activities that once brought them joy they no longer have interest in. They may be confused easily or unresponsive.
 
Don’t give up – there are still many family activities you can do with seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s. The key is to take it slow and focus on bonding.

Reminiscing

​This activity is an excellent way for elders to improve self-understanding. Try to keep reminiscing activities safe and remember to stop if your loved one recalls painful memories or becomes agitated. Try watching family videos or looking through photo albums. You can also watch a favorite movie or TV show from your loved one’s past.

Music

​Researchers have found that adults with advanced Alzheimer’s still respond to music. Listening to songs together is a fun way to connect with your loved one. Choose songs from their past to sing and dance to, or just sit and listen to together.

Arts & Crafts

​Arts and crafts can help stimulate the brain. Remember to simplify crafts so your loved one doesn’t become frustrated. Playing with clay is a fun, textile craft. Painting, coloring, knitting and stringing are all crafts that can be easily simplified.

Clean Together

​Chores may not sound like a fun activity on paper, but for someone with Alzheimer’s the routine of doing once-familiar tasks is extremely beneficial. Simple tasks like wiping off the table, sweeping or holding a trash bag gives your loved one a way to be part of a team and feel accomplished.

Read Together

​Reading is an important bonding activity. Pick a newspaper or book with large print. You can take turns or read to your loved one and ask them their thoughts on what you’re reading. 

Cook Together

​Not only is cooking fun, but you get the bonus of a tasty treat. Cooking can also easily be adapted for the ability level of your loved one. Choose a simple recipe and put them in charge or assign them an easy, repetitive task (like stirring). Cooking also goes hand-in-hand with reminiscing: start a discussion on their favorite foods growing up.

Exercise

​Exercise is good for both you and your loved one. Pick low-impact, low-energy activities. Walking, swimming, yoga and tai chi are all great activities to do together.

Garden Together

​Getting outside for some fresh air is important for people with Alzheimer’s. The basic, repetitive nature of gardening is easy to follow. If your loved one isn’t up for gardening themselves, visit a botanical garden together.

Organize

​Organizational tasks stimulate the brain. Have your loved one help you sort items by function, color, shape or design. You can turn organization into a game by cutting up a favorite poem and having your loved one put it back in order.

Sensory Stimulation

Even as Alzheimer’s becomes severe, your loved one still retains their senses. Sensory stimulation helps ground them. Try textile activities like combing hair, moisturizing their skin, shaving their face, giving them a manicure or having them interact with a textile like a soft teddy or moldable clay.
 
Always remember: it’s more about the process and not the result. Completing an activity isn’t as important as the time spent together. Be patient with your loved one and if they seem resistant, take a break and try again later.
 
Our caregivers work with your loved one to provide daily stimulation and brain-boosting activities. Our Memory Care Program at Martin Luther empowers our staff to provide compassionate and exceptional care based on current best-practices in memory care. Call Amy at 952-948-5167 for more information.
 
 
Sources:
https://www.goldencarers.com/reminiscing-activities-for-seniors/3184/
https://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/homeCare/engaging_activities.html
http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-03-06/stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-patients/
http://dementiatoday.com/fun-things-to-do-with-alzheimers-patients/

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Martin Luther Campus is part of the Ebenezer family of Lutheran Senior Care Communities. We provide transitional care and assisted living apartments for seniors in Bloomington. We also have adult day clubs and memory care programs for seniors living at home. We’re located at 1401 East 100th St. Bloomington, MN. Are you interested in transitioning to assisted living or do you have a loved one that needs assisted living? Call us at  952.888.7751.