Life Enrichment Programs for People with Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease often robs people of their verbal communication skills. Reasoning and short-term memory are two additional skills that suffer. These challenges can make it more difficult for people with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia to feel successful and productive.

It is important for people with memory loss to have a structured day full of activities that are meaningful to them. Strong life enrichment programming is one of the many benefits the Memory Care providers we work with in Dallas and Fort Worth offer for seniors with dementia.

Life Enrichment Activities and Alzheimer’s Disease

Because people with dementia may not be able to use words to express their feelings, finding activities that can help promote self-expression is key. Time and again, research has shown the creative arts to be the answer.

• Music and Song Lyrics: Favorite songs from younger times can have a powerful impact on people with Alzheimer’s. Music has been proven to help soothe agitation and reduce difficult behaviors. And people who are struggling with verbal communication skills can usually still sing or hum along to song lyrics. It provides another avenue for helping an adult with dementia feel successful.
• Art Projects: Engaging in artistic projects also promotes self-expression among people with dementia. It’s become so popular that some art museums even offer classes for people with dementia and exhibits to showcase their work. The key is to keep projects at an adult level and not to engage in anything that looks childish. This is necessary to help maintain self-esteem.
• Honor Life History: Life enrichment teams in most Memory Care programs take time to learn about each resident’s life before they developed Alzheimer’s. They know it helps them find meaningful activities for each resident. For example, if a new resident was a math teacher before they retired, the staff can work with family members to create an Activity Box full of items they used in that role. It could be a calculator, lesson plan book, a small chalkboard or whiteboard, graph paper and more. The Memory Care resident can use it to go to “work” each day.
• Physical fitness: Staying physically active can help an adult with Alzheimer’s reduce agitation and promote better sleep. Simple activities such as daily walk, bean bag toss or chair Yoga might be appropriate depending upon the person’s current abilities.
• Doing Chores: The Alzheimer’s Association also recommends giving a person with dementia “chores” to allow them to feel productive.

It’s one of the reasons you will see Memory Care residents folding towels, sorting silverware, and setting the table. Both the repetition and the physical activity can help to boost mood.

To learn more about planning meaningful days for a senior you care for who has dementia, download this complimentary Activities at Home Guide from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Finding Quality Dementia Care in North Texas

If the time comes when you can no longer safely provide in-home care for a senior who has dementia, please contact us or call us at 214-929-5055. We have in-depth knowledge of the Memory Care programs throughout north Texas and can help you find one that best meets your loved one’s needs.

Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. We are compensated by a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home.