Sunday, November 23, 2008

Helping Alzheimer's Patients with Meaningful Activities

Here is an interesting article, I ran into
Associated Content

By Sandra Webber,

Keep it Simple, Establish a Routine, and Consider Individual Interests
Often family, friends and caregivers of Alzheimer’s sufferers need help in choosing and involving patients in activities that can improve both the patient and the caregiver’s quality of life. Research shows activities structured individually to each person’s past interests can greatly reduce stress and improve the quality of life for family and caregivers. Frustration, agitation, depression and anger are some of the most bothersome symptoms exhibited by patients. Wandering, a common behavior in mid-stage and advanced Alzheimer’s also can be minimized by involvement in meaningful activities. Having a steady routine will also instill a sense of stability. In addition to the need for structure, routine and individualized activities, patients also need “no-fail” activities. Because of the loss of cognitive abilities failure becomes a too often occurrence in the patient’s everyday life. “No fail” activities boost self-esteem and give a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Activities will be most successful when.......read the whole article

1 comment:

puzzles said...

Interesting article about Meaningful Activities.

I would like to add a comment about Memory Jogging Puzzles and Memory Cards that are "beneficial" because they stimulate recollection and emotional memories and then encourage the patients to use their problem solving skills. And if in a group, you would be amazed at the heightened socializing.

These puzzles and cards have themes by Norman Rockwell and The Saturday Evening Post. He is remembered by many in the facilities that I have tested.

I recently added a new card game called "gossips" that has wonderful amusing illustrations. It is a concentration game.

And, by popular request by activities directors I have added cardboard puzzles using the same puzzle design that was developed for those with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

There are 2 themes from the wooden puzzle collection: Little Spooners and Marbles.

These are wonderful for the patients, and families and caregivers love them also because it makes it easy to engage their loved ones in memory activities and conversation.

takeCare. . .

http://www.memoryjoggingpuzzles.com

karen@memoryjoggingpuzzles.com