People who have Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia often experience agitation and anxiety. These symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially if families aren’t sure what to do. Sensory activities, meaning activities that involve one or more of the senses, can be really helpful in soothing seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, offering comfort and reducing anxiety. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors engage in these activities and help families learn more that also work.
Gentle Massages
Touch can be very soothing, especially for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Gentle massage, even on the hands, is one type of sensory activity to try. Physical touch offers a sense of connection and comfort. Using lotion or oil that is lightly scented with a favorite fragrance makes this enjoyable on another sensory level, too.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy activities, like using a diffuser or even just lighting a scented candle, help with offering comfort and a sense of well-being. They can also be useful in evoking memories for older adults. Calming scents like lavender and chamomile work well, but what really matters are the scents that seniors enjoy smelling.
Music
Another activity that can help to evoke memories while stimulating the senses is music. Music can help boost moods, help seniors feel calmer, and offer comfort. Using different music throughout the day can help seniors move through their daily routines. Home care providers can help seniors start their day with music, know it’s time for meals or physical activity with certain types of music and more.
Tactile Stimulation
Touching things can also be soothing, which is one reason that seniors with Alzheimer’s disease enjoy activities like rummaging through bags and drawers. Touching different textures and exploring tactile sensations helps to reduce restlessness. Some ways to use tactile stimulation include offering seniors fidget toys, exploring different textures, and holding stuffed animals.
Visual Stimulation
Looking at different or interesting things provides visual stimulation to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Venturing out on nature walks with Alzheimer’s care providers offers the opportunity for physical activity, but it also provides visual stimulation. Exploring different ideas for visual stimulation can be a fun activity for seniors.
Taste Activities
Taste is a sense, too, and sometimes it’s easy to overlook. But taste can be comforting and also brings memories back. Eating favorite snacks, drinking different types of herbal teas, and trying new flavors can all be great activities to try. It is important to consider dietary needs, of course, but trying these ideas in moderation can be fun.
Physical Movement
Physical movement works really well to reduce agitation and help seniors to feel calmer. As with foods, it’s important that the seniors’ doctors clear seniors for moving more. Gentle stretches help to relieve tension, they can also help to reduce anxiety. Going for a short walk can offer physical movement, but also gives the opportunity for visual stimulation through seeing new sights, aromatherapy by smelling different smells, and just being a lot of fun.
Sensory activities are a great way to help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease experience less anxiety, especially if they’re done regularly throughout the week. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors with Alzheimer’s to find routines that build in these types of sensory activities.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care in Duquesne, MO, please contact the caring staff at Adelmo Family Care today at (417) 206-4576
Adelmo Family Care provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors, disabled adults, and their families in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Duquesne, Neosho, Carl Junction, Lamar, Newton County, MO, Jasper County, MO, Pittsburg, KS, Riverton, KS, Crawford County, KS, Cherokee County, KS, and surrounding areas.
To provide the safest and most qualified caregivers, John felt it was important to properly screen and train caregivers before they were invited into the homes of the families being care for.No caregiver is introduced to a client before being taught the Adelmo Standard.
Adelmo is German for Noble Protector, a name that projects what Adelmo Family Care strives to be. It is our goal to protect our elderly from having to move somewhere they do not want to go, while remaining safe, secure and independent.
Care is our Product and Independence is our Goal.We are there for you when you need to have some help to continue to live independently, at your direction, in your home. We will work with you to get you as fit as possible so you may become completely independent once again, if at all possible.
We provide compassionate care, a watchful eye and a helping hand to our clients and their families.
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Adelmo Family Care is a member of the Home Care Association of America, The Senior’s Choice, The Webb City Chamber of Commerce, The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and several local senior committees.
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