Activities with Dementia Care
Activity is "doing things". Not just an entertainment or event, but all moments and tasks of everyday life. People living with Alzheimer's, or other dementias, have difficulty with daily life activities due to the changes in the brain. Despite the challenges, people with dementia continue to have the need to participate in activities...to do things...but with adapted dementia activities and the support of caregivers using dementia care techniques. |  |
Activities Change by Stage of Dementia or 'Activity Level'High Activity LevelEarly Stage Dementia | Middle Activity LevelMiddle Stage Dementia | Low Activity LevelLate Stage Dementia | Dresses self with occasional errors; needs help with
details | Dresses with help for the basic steps and details | Needs physical help with all the steps | Understands the goal of the task; uses what is seen as cues for what to do | Doesn't understand the goal but has some
awareness of task steps | Doesn't understand the purpose or task steps | Needs periodic cueing | Needs step by step cuing | Caregiver physical assist; hand over hand | Basic games: Rainbow Bingo, Word Searches, 26-piece Puzzles, Adult Coloring Book, Memory Books | Match, sort, 1-step tasks: Rainbow Bingo, Look and Lace Cards, 12-piece Puzzles, Chat Cards, Memory Books, Adult Coloring Book, Music Therapy DVDs | Repetive and sensory experiences: Look and Lace Cards, Chat Cards, Memory Books, Therapeutic Music DVDs |
"I love how the MindStart activity products can be used for all levels of dementia. It's great to have products that can be adapted to meet the needs of participants as their cognitive level declines so they can continue to be involved in meaningful activities, with feelings of independence, success, and pride for what they have accomplished." - Katie, Occupational Therapist
Alzheimer Activities Tailored to the Individual in Successful Dementia Care
There are various, additional considerations when choosing Alzheimer activities that will be successful for the person: Life History Long-term memories and procedural memories - the ability to do things that we have done many times over in our life- are preserved longer in the Alzheimer's disease process. So it is important to consider the person's past history when choosing Alzheimer activities, including: However, new activities are often enjoyed by people with dementia, so be open to new possibilities, as well. Types of Activity in Dementia CareA person with mild cognitive impairment or beginning early stage Alzheimer's can keep doing the activities of their normal daily routine. However, as the person has difficulty with their daily routine, or everyday tasks, they may become more inactive unless supported by the caregiver to keep active and engaged. Consider these different types of daily tasks that can be incorporated into the daily routine of their dementia care. Spiritual - music, prayer groups, outdoor walks Daily life tasks - setting the table, making lunch, emptying the trash, watering plants Personal cares - brushing hair, getting dressed, eating
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