Dementia is an epidemic. Did you know that every 3 seconds a person is diagnosed with dementia? This number is expected to triple by 2050.
Taking care of a patient suffering from dementia is a challenging task. Each day brings obstacles as the caretaker has to experience the new patterns of behavior.
Understand the person with dementia and plan different activities for them:
Speak softly
Don’t be rude if they tend to forget things. They are suffering from a memory loss disease, they tend to forget. Be patient and make them understand your questions and different activities.
It’s better if you ask them something that can be responded with just a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
Patience is the key
The dementia patient is continuously struggling with speaking and thinking skills, and this keeps them agitated. You should relive the emotional and mental pressure of your loved one by having patience.
Some times are very difficult, but you have to put yourself in their shoes. Try and understand what they are going through. It’s okay not to have an immediate response.
Make them play online crosswords
Use it or lose it. Challenge their brains by making them play the best crossword puzzles game. The more time they spend solving the clues, the better.
Just like workout keeps the body physically fit, crossword engages the brain while generating new cells. They can also try making crossword and word searches.
Puzzles games online have plenty of benefits:
- Encourages positive thinking
- Never give up attitude
- Improves productivity
- Keeps the mind active
- Free from stress & anxiety
When the brain keeps working continuously, the brain cells are activated. The person starts thinking creatively while increasing analytical and cognitive skills.
No need to give them a newspaper to solve crossword as they can now enjoy online daily crosswords.
Include physical activity
Physical body workout increases the body blood flow. This also helps in keeping the memory sharp. You can take them for a brisk walk, jogging, aerobic classes and what interests them.
Laughter helps
This is therapeutic for most people. Making them laugh can function the same way using medication to relieve anxiety does.
Laughter helps to:
- Stimulates endorphin
- Reduces stress hormones
- Enhances creativity
- Boosts anti-aging hormone
- Makes life enjoyable
- Let them stay socially active
Make them socialize
Loneliness and depression are associated with dementia. Help them look for opportunities and communities where they can utilize the knowledge and experience that they have gained over the years.
Social media can help them reconnect with old friends and family members. Social interaction is also important because it can ward off depression and anxiety.
Words of Advice
Mental stimulation has been proved to help prevent age-related neurological disorder. Be responsible and give constant care to the aging loved one.
If things are handled sensitively, it can become an enriching bond experience for both.
The next time you find them getting bored, get them engaged in an online crossword puzzle, make them meditate and let them indulge in social activities so that their happiness never fades.
Follow the aforementioned tips and see the results yourself.
