Four Engaging Activities for Those with Cognitive Decline
Meaningful routines support a sense of purpose for seniors with Alzheimer’s. When visiting a loved one in memory care, it can be difficult to know how to connect. Our team focuses on offering activities to exercise the brain, encourage relational connection, and provide a sense of accomplishment. To celebrate National Activity Professionals Week, our team at Avalon Memory Care is sharing four meaningful activities to do with loved ones experiencing cognitive decline.
1. Share Stories and Memories from the Past
Using the past to connect with a loved one can be a great way to spark engagement. Gather familiar items such as a favorite quilt, a specific spice they used in cooking, or old family photographs. Engaging the senses of touch and smell can bypass cognitive barriers, sparking memories and providing a peaceful way to connect relationally.
2. Utilize The Benefits of Music for Seniors with Dementia
Music is often one of the last things affected by cognitive decline. Creating a personalized playlist of songs from their youth can be a powerful brain exercise. Whether it’s humming along, tapping a foot, or dancing together, music has a unique way of increasing well-being and restoring a sense of vitality.
3. Create Helping Tasks for Seniors with Dementia
One of our core goals at Avalon Memory Care communities is supporting independence. Activities that mimic daily routines like setting a table or watering plants can give a loved one a profound sense of purpose and help maintain motor skills.
4. Encourage Movement and Time Outdoors with Aging Loved One
Simply sitting outside, birdwatching, or taking a short walk in a secure patio or backyard can promote wellbeing. Nature has the potential to provide cognitive stimulation and a calming atmosphere that supports overall mental wellness.
At Avalon Memory Care, our sole focus is supporting those with memory care needs through a specialized and compassionate model of care. We strive to create an atmosphere that feels like home.Looking for more activity ideas or want to learn more about our communities? Schedule a tour.
See More Articles
- Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia
Parkinson’s disease is an incurable neurological disorder, with progressively worsening complications. Perhaps the most well-known symptom of Parkinson’s is a hand tremor, but it can also cause speech changes, muscle rigidity, and impaired posture. Eventually, as the disease progresses, more than half of all individuals with Parkinson’s will require dementia care. This particular type of
- The Long Goodbye: Understanding Anticipatory Grief and Dementia
When you have a family member who is suffering from dementia, it’s not unusual to find yourself experiencing sharp and sudden emotions. The gradual loss of a loved one is, in many ways, comparable to experiencing the death of someone close to you. With progressive dementia, this sense of loss is accompanied by another emotion
- Hope For the Future: Emerging Alzheimer’s Research
According to the latest statistics, as many as 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and its prevalence is only expected to rise in the next few decades. At the same time, however, research into treatments for the condition is accelerating. With every passing year, we move a little further down the road toward
Our team is committed to delivering personalized care for your loved one
Michelle Strong
All Star Hospice
Christian Care House Calls
Testimonials
Carol Rup
Jim Howard
Greg and Cindy Heitzman
Downloadable Resources
We Are Avalon
Discover the heart of our community; download ‘We Are Avalon’ to get to know our dedicated team and our commitment to providing a warm, family-like environment.
Transitional Care Guide
If you’re considering a transition, we’re here to help; download our Transitional Care Guide for compassionate guidance through each step of the process.
Schedule a Tour
Visit one of our 30+ campuses and experience our unique approach to memory care.