Seniors with Dementia Should be Encouraged to Stay Engaged

 It is important for family members and caregivers to remember that while a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease may be declining cognitively, they still have some abilities. Encouraging them to stay involved in meaningful activities is a good way to give them a sense of self-worth and purpose.  In fact a published report from the National Institute of Health states, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” It goes on to say it is important for those with dementia to stay as active and engaged as possible and that “it may even help to maintain quality of life in the more advanced stages of the disease.”  

As to what kinds of activities are the most effective, studies suggest trying to stimulate all five senses: sight, touch, sound, taste and smell; and the creative arts are a good place to start.  Singing is not only enjoyable but several studies have shown it to be one of the last abilities many of those with Alzheimer’s lose.  People can often remember the words to a song long after many other memories are gone.  Listening to music and dancing are other activities beneficial to those with dementia.  Dancing has even been shown to help stimulate social interaction, enhance mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-awareness and self-expression.  Walking and getting outside can also lift spirits, but as gait can be adversely affected by Alzheimer’s, evaluate the person’s ability to walk safely.   

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  

Ours is a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love made possible by a loving team that understands how to provide residents with a quality of life other assisted living and memory care communities simply cannot match.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us to learn more about unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley.   

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684326/#:~:text=Engaging%20older%20persons%20with%20dementia,nursing%20staff%20members%20(10)%20and