It is Healthier for People with Dementia to Stay Active & Involved

It is important that a person with dementia stay as active and engaged as possible and may even help to maintain quality of life in the more advanced stages of the disease.  Directing and encouraging the individual to be involved in meaningful activities can help preserve a sense of self-worth and purpose.   

Studies suggest activities should stimulate all five senses – sight, touch, sound, taste and smell.  The creative arts are a good example as they often touch on more than one of our senses.  Singing is one of the last abilities many people with Alzheimer’s lose, and often someone can sing along to a song even after they have lost other memories.  Most also enjoy listening to music.  Another good activity is to show the person a picture of someone or something and encourage them to tell a story about it.  Allowing them use their imagination releases them from the pressure of having to remember something that actually happened.    

Physical activities are also important and getting outside and taking a walk is not only good exercise but gives the person a new outlook.  Studies show that the ability to walk in the early stages of Alzheimer’s is well preserved in many people and some can walk for miles.  However others may develop a change in their gait even early-on so it is important to take care and evaluate the person’s ability to walk safely.  Dancing is another activity enjoyed by many with Alzheimer’s and has been shown to stimulate social interaction, enhance mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-awareness and self-expression. 

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we could not agree more.  As dementia care specialists, we design an individualized routine for each resident that can stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Our daily calendar is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort residents.  Get the care your loved one deserves from one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Are you looking for the best dementia care in Boise?  Please visit our website to learn about availability.

Source: cie.org.uk/dementia/living-with-dementia/keeping-active/