4 Tips to Help Elderly Loved Ones Dealing with Dementia
Elderly Care in Grand Rapids MI
It’s devastating when your elderly loved one seems to be having problems with memory or even the beginning stages of dementia. There are things that you can try to help to bridge those memory
gaps. Some of these activities call to your loved one’s earliest memories, which can be some of the easiest to reconnect with.
Find Childhood Sweets
There’s nothing like a favorite sweet treat from your childhood to bring back good feelings and good memories. Believe it or not, those old time sweets can do the same for your elderly loved one. There are quite a few companies these days that specialize in nostalgic candies and treats. Talk to family members and to your loved one and find out what her favorites were. The next time you get a chance, surprise her with a few and watch the magic that happens.
Try Pet Therapy
Animals have a gift for reaching people, even when friends and relatives aren’t able to get through to someone. If your elderly loved one is a fan of a particular type of animal, try arranging a play date of sorts with that animal. If possible, arrange a trip to the local animal shelter, where your loved one can play with some of the dogs or cats. If she enjoys other types of animals, maybe a petting farm is more in order. If family members have pets, they can bring them over for a visit.
Look for Favorite Childhood Toys
If your elderly loved one had a favorite toy when he was growing up, it’s possible that toy is still around in the attic. Even if it isn’t, you may still be able to find a similar toy either in an antique store or in an online store. If you can’t find the exact toy, try to get as close as you can. Being able to see and to touch a toy that’s similar to the one he loved in the past can help to make a big connection with your elderly loved one.
Revive Old Hobbies
Is there something that your loved one used to do that she hasn’t in a while? Engaging in old hobbies that she used to love can help to jog her memory and can help her to exercise those memory muscles. Whether she enjoyed knitting or playing an instrument, she may be surprised how much she remembers about her favorite hobby. Elder care providers can even help with these hobbies when you can’t be around.
The more that you can do with your elderly loved one to jog his memory, the more likely you are to be able to make those connections.
If you or someone you know needs help with elderly care services in Grand Rapids, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Source
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/basics/definition/CON-20034399
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