Seniors With Dementia - Best ways to Engage with them Better

Acceptance is virtue. Be it health or a personal, accepting it gives us a wider perspective to see the possibilities that can make our lives better. In particular, Dementia is a difficult condition but it’s not a serious disease that needs emergency attention or treatment for seniors. There are activities that could ease their everyday life. But identifying the core issue is crucial.

 This blog discusses the major health and personal issues involved in dementia, ways to address them and various engaging activities that seniors can dwell in. Stick with us till the end of the blog to know more about dementia so that you can help your elders with dementia, age better.

 How can dementia hinder physical and mental health?

 Dementia, also known as memory loss disorder, results in loss of mental skills that affect your day to day life. Being forgetful every now and then is common in certain age group but more prevalent in senior citizens. However, if a senior is unable to remember past events, names of his or her kin, and it is happening more frequently, it is probably time for medical help. Also, seniors will show severe withdrawals in terms of planning, calculation, paying their bills, maintaining the house, hygiene, cleaning and cooking, and even talking to people. 

 The progress of dementia depends on the person’s health condition, family support, and overall wellbeing. Some people lose cognitive and mental abilities faster and some might stay in the same state for years.

 How will the person’s surrounding affect dementia symptoms?

 The people in their surroundings and their environment play a vital role in the progress/decline, treatment, and prevention of dementia. Strange faces, clumsy and noisy surroundings contribute to dementia in many ways.

 What can you do?

 Helping the seniors live in a calm environment could show a positive change. Try limit the usage of TV and other distractions inside the home for better engagement of your loved one.

 What are engaging activities for seniors with dementia?

Music therapy for seniors - Many adults find comfortable with music therapy. Proving the benefits of music for seniors with dementia there are many researches that recommend music therapy almost every day. Playing sensible music helps them calm down their nerves while reflecting on their happy moments. This will produce Dopamine and -the happy hormone, spreading happy feelings throughout the body.

Personal touch - Touch, both in literal and metaphorical senses, plays a significant role in helping seniors cope with their dementia symptoms. Give a hug, morning kiss or a goodnight peck to your seniors every day to help them forget the condition and engage better in life. Also, make them happy by paying surprise visits (if your seniors are living alone) or with surprising gifts or their favorite food.

Get them a pet - Pet therapy, as known as medical terms, is an excellent way to keep your seniors engaged in life. Pets have the natural ability to decrease agitation, increased discipline and physical activities. This would be a great way to get rid of loneliness if you are someone who is living alone.

Aromatherapy - Aroma shares an undivided bonding with a person’s memory. Also, it improves mood while enticing the person with positive thoughts. Especially, using flower-based aroma liquids like lavender can help them decrease many types of mental issues. Keeping the living area and bedrooms filled with your choice of aroma or scents will improve your sleep quality, higher concentration, and increased mental health.

Maintain a daily routine: Having a daily routine wakes up your biological clock and your body knows what exactly you would be doing at that particular point of time. This way you will not only continue to be active but also would not give any scope for hopelessness or laziness which are two major issues seen in dementia.

 Reassurance: It is important that you give assurance and hope for your loved one. Keep your voice low and talk calmly when you are trying to communicate with your elders. Help them feel they are doing well, encourage them to continue the good job. Reassurance for life will enhance the hope which is imperative in treatment for dementia.

 Most importantly get help from the skilled nursing specialists and personal attendants at home who would look after your loved ones at the comfort of your home.