Activities For People with Dementia
My Memory Jogger
(Activities for People with Dementia and Carers)
Dementia is a loss of mental ability which interferes with normal activities of daily living. A decline in memory; reasoning, judgement, problem-solving may leave people living with dementia feeling vulnerable and in need of constant reassurance. Spending time with someone doing activities may help prevent boredom, anxiety or frustration, activity can be something as simple as listening to music, doing a puzzle or simply having a chat. Activity also helps the person with dementia retain skills, express emotions, bring pleasure and ensure a feeling of self-worth.
Luca Rado is the co-founder of The Live in Care Company, a provider of carers to vulnerable patients across the UK. As specialist in live in dementia care, he discussed not just the importance of keeping dementia patients active, but how having a permanent carer living in your loved one’s home can make a huge difference to daily life.
“Senior dementia care involves carers working within a team to ensure that the necessary care is being provided constantly. Dementia is a progressive disease, therefore , the carers will be able to feed back on whether there are areas in your loved one’s life that need extra support. For instance, the clients mobility may worsen and they may need more support when they leave the house. The input of live-in care can then be adjusted to match this need, ensuring your loved one receives the optimal level of care
When asked, people requiring care said that it was the softer aspects of care that made the biggest difference: companionship, conversations, listening, or even telling stories [Alan Majer 2012] – Many people with dementia love sharing stories of the past which they find easier to recall than what might have happened only a day ago. Reminiscing is a wonderful way to develop conversations and appreciate the achievements they have made in life.
My Memory Jogger is designed to be interactive and dedicated to bringing pleasure to people living with dementia. Having a good time, recalling happy memories and interesting events or experiences may enrich the enjoyment of everyday life and improve a sense of well-being.
My Memory Jogger uses sensitive text, colourful themed images and response areas to help trigger memory and prompt conversation. A place for the person living with dementia to interact, reminisce, recall and record stories, save photographs, write, draw or doodle with family, friends, visitors and carers resulting in a collection of special memories to keep forever.
93% of conversation is non-verbal, so remember to maintain eye contact and observe the person’s body language for signs of discomfort or fatigue.
And don’t forget you …
When you are caring for someone with dementia, it is understandable to sometimes feel overwhelmed, overtired or even guilty. Try to make some relaxing or fun time just for you. Keep in touch with friends and be kind to yourself.
My Memory Jogger can be enjoyed with family, friends and carers and is available to purchase now from the Happy Days Shop:
Please visit www.happydayspublishing.co.uk
Also available in the Happy Days Shop:
Activities for Home Care, Residential Care Homes, Day Centres, Activity Coordinators
Memory Boxes ~ Day Planners ~ Labels for Recognition ~ Match It Picture Games ~ Talk Prompts
*Residential and Day Homes – Discounts available for quantities of 3 or more.
Email Gillian for further information happydayspublishing@yahoo.co.uk
