How do you keep loved ones with dementia active and engaged?

Keeping a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia engaged is crucial and vital in sustaining their physical and emotional wellbeing. It can, however, be very difficult for caregivers to continually have effective activities that garner interest and fit the changing abilities of those in their care. Here are a few guidelines and a touch of creativity to help simplify this process.

Consider the person's interests
When considering activities for your loved one, one of the best ways to start is in taking stock of their past and current interests and hobbies. Some examples include gardening, scrap-booking, playing or watching sports, photography, or listening to or playing certain types of music. Once a list of potential ideas has been made, it's time for creativity and adaptability. With increasing physical and/or mental challenges, hobbies tend to fall by the wayside. Harry Johns, Director of the Alzheimer's Association, recommends adjusting these pastimes to fit their abilities. Additional assistance and supervision is usually necessary, but as their condition progresses, adapting the actual activities is also required.

This was the process I undertook for my grandfather, an avid gardener. For many years, he had tended to his own plants, often independently. However, when he was diagnosed with dementia and its progression continued, designing the plant beds and working the earth on his own eventually became too difficult. At that point, I brought a few pots with seeds and other house plants inside for him to water and tend to daily. On days when he forgot to care for his plants, he just as much enjoyed outings to the local botanical garden or park as well as looking at pictures of beautiful flowers or plantings he had done himself years before.

Reestablish old routines
Many people derive a sense of purpose from the daily routines that they create. Establishing a daily routine for a loved one early on can restore some order in their life and help them feel more secure. Seniors with dementia thrive on familiarity and repetition, so adding structure to their day can minimize confusion. Incorporating life-long habits or pastimes, such as drinking tea on the porch every morning, enjoying a mid-afternoon nap or watching the news in the evening are excellent ideas as well. Activities do not necessarily have to be organized or fancy to keep a senior content and engaged.

Provide opportunities for social interaction
Even though your care recipient's cognitive and/or physical abilities have declined, they still need to interact with others regularly. Humans have a basic need for social connectedness, and those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease are no different, regardless of what stage they are in.

Seniors can have valuable social experiences both inside and outside the home with friends, extended family, and the public. Having their grandchildren visit, asking a mutual friend to take them out to lunch, and even bringing your loved one on errands can be wholesome ways to provide a change of company and scenery.

Another great option is adult day care. These centers provide activities and social opportunities in a secure, supervised setting. The staff are trained to handle the quirks and challenges that dementia brings and your loved one will be able to interact with their peers and engage in activities that match their abilities. You can use this locator to find a center based on location and need.

Find meaning, even in the mundane

Try to make activities meaningful, rather than choosing ones aimed at simply passing time. Even though your loved one may not remember the different activities they do, try to encourage the hobbies that they seem to enjoy in the moment. While folding laundry or putting silverware away may not seem exciting to you, many elders with dementia find a sense of purpose in these simple activities. When they believe they are making a valuable contribution, it adds to their general happiness and helps them feel more grounded.

A caregiver's role is all encompassing and nuanced. It changes consistently and can be both enriching and draining. It is important that caregivers develop a structure of support for themselves while in service to their loved one. Remember to be patient and flexible, simplify instructions, and encourage as much independence as is possible. Over time, a routine and list of activities will emerge that keep your loved one engaged and encouraged.

— Jamie Lim