The Benefits of Daily Exercise for Seniors With Dementia
September 27, 2021
It is important for all of us to feel a sense of purpose while staying active, both for our mental and physical well being. Exercise is especially important for seniors with dementia because it can provide them with better health and mental well-being. It can also help them maintain a higher quality of life. However, figuring out the appropriate activities for those with elderly dementia can be a bit challenging. If you know someone who needs to find ways to be more active while creating a sense of purpose, here are some things to consider before choosing the best type of activity:
- Consult with the person’s doctor to get guidance on what they can and cannot do. Ask about things that are encouraged and those things that should be avoided because of health problems.
- Determine what they enjoy doing and what they remember how to do. This can be a good starting place for choosing activities they can participate in.
- Take into account their physical capabilities. Is the person in a wheelchair? Are they arthritic? How is their balance? To what degree can they hear and understand?
- Be sure that the location of the activity is as safe as possible. Is the area free of clutter that could cause tripping or injury? Is it a comfortable place, free of noise, and is it a comfortable temperature?
Once you feel you have a good sense of your loved one’s ability and safety hazards, there are several different types of activities to consider. Remember that the goal is finding something your dementia patient or loved one would enjoy and benefit from.
- Sensory activities- For those individuals with limited mobility, sensory activities can be a great way to keep their fine motor skills and mind working sharply. Things such as popping bubble wrap or creating sensory bins with things like kinetic sand or jello can be good options.
- Water activity- Many seniors find water aerobics and other water activities to be calming and have many healing properties. Water works in their favor and allows for smooth motions that are easy on the joints. Water aerobic classes also have a social aspect to them that many elderly people crave. It is a great way to get out of the house and a good form of exercise that will help strengthen the body.
- Outdoor activity- Getting outside in the sunshine has great health benefits. Simple outdoor activities such as a walk, gardening or sweeping can be great simple options of getting an elderly person to stay active and also get some vitamin D. Being outside can be a mood booster on its own!
- Dancing- Many elderly people enjoy dancing to music that was popular in their youth. Square dancing or ballroom dancing are great options for those elderly who are a little more capable of movement and higher levels of activity. Always be sure to have help nearby in case the person becomes weak or dizzy.
- Memory activities- Exercising memory and mind can also be an important activity for those aging seniors struggling with dementia. Puzzles and crosswords are great but, eventually may become too difficult. If that is the case consider easier activities like sorting through a box of buttons or counting out change. Look in the toy aisle for some simple memory games and cards to try. Going through old family photos may be a fun way to jog memories. Often people will remember the words to their favorite songs or hymns. Playing music and encouraging singing is a great option too.
Regardless of what exercises are tried, go slow, watch for signs of stress and uneasiness, and take safety precautions. It is helpful to break the exercise time up into three ten minute sessions. Encourage rest and water consumption when needed. Making the effort to increase activity is worth the effort. In addition, our in-home care Registered Nurses and Licensed Social Workers will develop a plan of care tailored to the needs of your loved one.
Most older adults want to stay in their own home for as long as they are able. However, safety can become a concern for many. Here are a few common safety issues that can occur around the home and solutions that may help to prevent accidents. Taking these preventative measures can allow aging adults to continue living at home for as long as possible.
Like any other part of your body, the brain benefits from exercise. Statistics show that 40% of seniors 65 or older have some type of memory loss due to aging. As people age, their bodies and minds can start to decline. However, you can help to slow down this process by doing some simple exercises. Here are few simple activities that can be done to boost your memory and help your mind stay sharp: Puzzles and word games Putting together a puzzle or playing a game are great ways to keep your mind active. Instead of watching tv in your down time, consider picking up a crossword puzzle, playing a game of scrabble or even just putting together an old fashioned jigsaw puzzle. Try and challenge yourself. Choose a puzzle or game that fits your skill level. Playing games or doing puzzles with a group of friends can be fun and a great way to socialize while also using your mind. Learn a new hobby Learning a new skill can stimulate different parts of your brain and challenge you in a whole new way. Try something that you’ve always wanted to learn, maybe knitting, playing piano, or drawing. Not only will picking up a new hobby or skill help your memory but it can also boost your mood. The productivity and satisfaction felt when you learn something new or create something beautiful can benefit you in so many ways. Reading Reading is scientifically proven to sharpen your memory. Make a visit to your local library and find a book that is of interest to you. If your mind has already begun to decline, try choosing an easy book to read with a larger font or even a children's book. If you are able, take it a step farther and practice reading out loud. This helps work your memory in a whole different way. Memorizing Try testing your skills and memorizing the state capitals or lyrics to a new song. Practicing and strengthening your mind through memorization and studying is a great way to help reduce memory loss. Listening to music or singing Music is a very powerful thing and has shown extreme benefits when it comes to the mind and memory loss. Nostalgic songs can often trigger thoughts or emotions that allow people to remember things they would not normally be able to. Not only can music be a way to exercise the brain but listening to music also releases endorphins in the brain which can help enhance your mood. These simple exercises can be done everyday to help keep your mind sharp. It is beneficial to start these practices at a young age before you notice yourself having any problems with your memory. All these things along with sleeping well, having a healthy diet and exercising your body over time can contribute to a reduction in dementia and memory loss.
Most people think of in-home care as something that is only applicable to the elderly. Many young people who live alone or have no one to help them may also find themselves in need of in-home care. Specifically if they are recovering from a surgery, an accident, or living with a disability. Family and friends may not always be nearby and capable of helping. Hiring in-home care can be a good option for people of any age who are struggling to perform everyday activities. Seniors An obvious candidate for in-home care is the senior population. Someone who is declining in health or struggling with dementia or Alzheimer may benefit greatly from in-home care. Being able to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home while receiving the help they need is a huge benefit. There are many perks to in-home care as opposed to assisted living or other care options. The person will receive one-on-one attention and person centered care. With in-home care you can schedule as little or as much help as the senior needs, this can save money if 24 hour care is not needed. Many seniors also like to know that they will not have to leave their home. Being in their own environment can contribute to a greater sense of security and independence. Surgery Recovery Slowing down a busy lifestyle in order to recover from a surgery can be difficult. If someone does not have friends or family nearby who are willing and able to help, the idea of being unable to do everyday tasks for an extended period of time can be daunting. In-home care is a great option! There are a wide variety of in-home care options and choices to hire as little or as much care as is needed. Need someone to prepare your meals and take care of cleaning up? In-home care is for you! Will you need more extensive care including help with bathing and getting to the bathroom? In-home care has you covered! Disabled Anyone with a disability can benefit from in-home care. Long term care givers can be hired to help with daily tasks a person may need. Having a caregiver long term typically results in a bond between the caregiver and person in need. This can be very beneficial for creating a positive and trusting atmosphere. Caring for a loved one with a disability can present different challenges at times. Hiring someone to help in the home can be life changing. Conclusion In-home care can be a great help and take a lot of pressure off of friends and loved ones. Consider talking to a doctor or professional about the needs of the person to get a good understanding of how much help will be required and if in-home care would be a good fit for them.
Having a loved one with dementia can be difficult and heartbreaking. Going places and doing everyday activities with someone who is struggling with dementia can present different challenges. Seniors with dementia can benefit greatly from engagement in the community, reminiscing on past hobbies and experiences and finding opportunities to create a sense of purpose. This can be great for their physical and mental health. Eating out is one way for seniors to socialize and be active in the community. Here are a few tips for dining out with a senior who has dementia: Pick the right place Picking the right restaurant is key. Try to choose a restaurant where you know the staff will be kind and helpful. You want to make sure you pick a relaxed environment that will not be too crowded or over stimulating. Familiar places may be a good choice since people with dementia often appreciate the feeling of familiarity and security from a well known location. If the person needs any special accommodations, contact the restaurant to be sure they have handicap accessible options that will meet your needs. After you have tried a few restaurants consider making a list of the best options for future outings to make the selection process easier. Pack appropriately It may seem excessive to pack a bag just for going out to eat. However, you can never be too prepared. Pack things such as; a few old photos for reminiscing, an activity book or other items that can help to occupy the individual in case service is slow, a sweater in case the restaurant has a draft, hand wipes or maybe a favorite cup or utensil. Take anything that you know will help to make them feel comfortable and allow the meal to go by with ease. Go at the best time Going on an outing with someone who has dementia can be best prepared for by choosing a time that is typically best for the individual. Things such as being over tired or over hungry can alter the experience. Choose a time that you know will not be too busy so that service will be faster. For example, if you are going out for lunch, aim for an early 11am lunch. This will help you beat the rush and allow you to avoid issues of being over hungry and tired. If you are going out for dinner, aim for 5pm to avoid similar issues. Get to know your loved one’s best and worst times of the day in order to choose the appropriate times for an outing. Make specific requests when needed To best be prepared, you may even want to call before leaving home to assess the situation and make sure that there is no large party or gathering happening at the time you wish to go. If the staff is aware of specific accommodation requests that are helpful, such as seating you in a quieter, more secluded space, dining out may go smoother. Though it may seem overwhelming to dine out with someone struggling with dementia, simple planning measures can be taken to make the experience easy and enjoyable. Be sure to watch for signs that your loved one is getting tired or irritable in order to avoid problems and upset.
Caring for an aging, ill, or disabled loved one can be a very stressful and demanding job in Baxter MN. We all want to be there to help take care of our loved ones in their time of need
Convincing your elderly parents to accept that they need in-home care can be difficult. They may be fearful of losing their privacy or their independence in Minnesota
Know the steps of hiring the right in home caregiver for your senior family member! Learn about how to make sure you get the right fit for your loved one here.
Trying to decide which type of care is best suited for a loved one can be a challenging and overwhelming task. Call us today to see how we can help your loved one get the best care they need!
