Are you a caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? The COVID-19 outbreak has forced millions all over the world to stay at home. Amidst such a scenario, you might be wondering how to keep your loved one engaged. You can’t take them for a daily walk or invite someone to have a chit-chat.
Keeping them engaged in various activities is vital for their physical and mental well-being. Staying active will not only improve their mood but also stimulate their brain. So, let’s have a look.
Encourage to recall old memories
According to some Neuroscientists, recalling old memories can have a cinematic quality. When you encourage someone to recall a memory that has a positive experience, all five senses get involved. The entire event is restructured in the brain including smell, people, music, and all other trivia. So, sit with your loved one with a family album, and flip the pages one by one. Such activity will provide them both joy and comfort.
Motivate to dance on favorite songs
Dancing is a wonderful physical exercise that can be done at home. If your loved one has a collection of songs that he or she loves to listen to repeatedly, motivate them to dance on those songs at a fixed time of the day. This will refresh their mind and enhance their mental alertness.
Play crossword puzzles or memory games
According to a journal, participation in crossword puzzles may delay the onset of a decline in memory in some cases of dementia. So, as Alzheimer’s is a cause of dementia where there is a progressive loss of memory, playing crossword puzzles or other memory games will keep them engaged with the added bonus of improving their cognitive reserve.
Ask to do flower arrangement
Bring some flowers of various colors and ask your loved one to arrange them as per their choice. You may not be aware, but arranging flowers is one of the best activities for such people which they can do while sitting on a chair or by standing near their bed. Even someone wheelchair-bound can also do flower arrangements without any discomfort which will instill within them a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
Take on a virtual tour
It is tough for your loved one to remain confined at home for a prolonged period. So, you can take the help of technology to take him or her on a virtual tour. Think about visiting the various tourist attractions across the world over the world wide web. There may be also online fitness classes or music lessons which can prove enjoyable.
Finally, consult your loved one to find an activity that he or she wants to do. This could be an amazing way of strengthening the bond with your loved one. Remember, you are going through a tough phase due to an unprecedented health emergency. Also, do not end up neglecting your own physical and emotional well-being. Daily practice yoga and meditation or take out some time for gardening to take care of yourself.