Seven Alzheimer's Caregivers Share Strategies for Maintaining Your Loved One's Activity Level
Navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can feel overwhelming. One common question is how to maintain their mental and physical well-being as the disease progresses. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but those caring for loved ones with this type of dementia have shared a wealth of effective strategies. Let's explore their insights.
1. Seize opportunities for beloved activities
Emmy G.'s mom, Linda, adored dancing, laughing, and drawing. Emmy and other family members did their best to ensure Linda could do all these things often, enjoying the outdoors, trips to the beach, and even local events.
2. Support their aspirations
Karen W.'s mother, Ethel, mentioned longing to visit Coronado, California, where she and Karen's dad were married. So, Karen made the trip happen – a four-day adventure that boosted Ethel's spirits and connected her to her past.
3. Encourage social connections
Engaging with others who understand the challenges of Alzheimer's can benefit both the person with the disease and their caregiver. Jennifer F. emphasizes the importance of building an Alzheimer's community and suggests organizing "playdates" with other caregivers, where their loved ones can socialize while the caregivers can catch a break.
4. Walk and talk
If your loved one enjoyed walking before their diagnosis, make it a priority to continue engaging in this activity. Both Rick L.'s father and Emmy's mom experienced noticeable benefits from regular walks, which helped boost their mental and physical health.
5. Experiment with engaging activities
Not every activity will be a hit with your loved one. Leslie K.'s husband, Tom, wasn't a fan of jigsaw puzzles but quickly found joy in using the library's resources – a stimulating, social outing that thoroughly engaged him.
6. Connect through household chores
Simply involving your loved one in household chores can provide a sense of purpose and help keep them engaged. Whether it's folding laundry or helping set the table, these tasks can be tailored to meet their abilities and interests.
7. Read out loud, especially from meaningful texts
Reading aloud can be a rewarding experience for both caregiver and loved one. If your loved one has a fondness for certain authors or topics, sharing those stories aloud can be a powerful way to connect and engage them with their past.
8. Continue shared hobbies
Despite Alzheimer's, maintaining beloved activities can provide a sense of normalcy and joy. Karen S. cherishes her tradition of traveling with her husband, Anthony, despite his Alzheimer's diagnosis. By making accommodations like providing essentials and using identity reminders, she's been able to preserve their shared adventures.
Stay connected, stay involved, and always pioneer new ways to engage your loved one with Alzheimer's. With dedication and creativity, you can make their journey a little brighter – and your own a little easier.
Join our community and stay abreast of our top-tier service journalism by subscribing for free.
Additional:
- Finding Quality Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer's
- Understanding Sundown Syndrome and How it Affects Alzheimer's Patients
- 14 Wise Tips from Alzheimer's Caregivers
- Remaining active and engaged ininteresting health-and-wellness activities, such as fitness-and-exercise, like walking and dancing, can help manage the mental and physical health of those with Alzheimer's disease.
- Staying informed about medical-conditions related to Alzheimer's, like neurological-disorders, contributes to better care and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by caregivers.
- Sharing news articles that discuss the latest scientific research on chronic-diseases, including Alzheimer's, can help caregivers make informed choices about their loved one's care.
- Encouraging social connections with other families dealing with Alzheimer's can lead to valuable support and coping strategies for both caregivers and patients.
- Utilizing resources from health-and-wellness centers or fitness-and-exercise centers can help maintain the physical well-being of individuals with Alzheimer's, providing opportunities for engaging activities and meaningful experiences.
