The traditional retirement activities may not be appropriate for those with dementia, and families may need to get creative when it comes to spending time with their loved ones. Sensory activities are eseential for those with dementia because they help them to interact emotionally, something they struggle to do. Depending on how far the dementia has progressed, your family member may not be able to adequately communicate needs, wants, or fears. Activities that concentrate on taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch can be an excellent way to connect with loved ones with dementia. These activities keep them calm, boost their mood, and reduce anxiety. The key to choosing the right sensory tasks is knowing the personality of the person before beginning.

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  1. Music: Music is one of the most studied interventions for those with dementia. A study from Frontiers in Medicine found that music therapy enhances cognitive function in those living with dementia. Listening to music and singing most significantly impacted patients, improving quality of life and reducing depressive symptoms. Knowing the kind of music the individual prefers is vital to the results, whether it is big band, show tunes, opera or rock. Expert Tip: Music therapy without commercial interruptions, which can confuse the patient. Digital music players are useful in these situations, but listening activities will likely require assistance with the technology.
  2. Aromatherapy: Our sense of smell profoundly influences our memory, more so than we might think. It is common for an aroma to evoke pleasant memories or promote a sense of peace, well-being and calm. Aromatherapy enhances sleep quality, lowers stress, manages pain, and alleviates depression. Dementia patients are may enjoy:
    Essential oils: Lavender, peppermint, lemon, rosemary, ginger, and lemon can soothe those with dementia and help reduce aggression and agitation; as well as stimulate cognitive ability. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser or applied in an infused cream.
    Cooking or baking:Helping someone with dementia to cook or bake provides not only serenity via aroma, but a tactile experience.
  3. Touch: People with dementia benefit from tactile experiences in individual and unique ways. Some people enjoy smooth surfaces and others rough surfaces, and most find it soothing to use fidget devices.
  4. Sight: Positive memories can be encouraged and are evoked by photographs and personal objects that are meaningful. Your loved one may look through photo albums, walk down a familiar road, or watching favorite old movies. Also connected to sight is bright light therapy, which has been shown to improve sleep and elevate mood in those with dementia.

Excellent Sensory Activities for Dementia

Crafts are beneficial in memory care because they can influence all of the senses. Crafts can be group activities or individual, but should recognize the uniqueness of each person. Activities are only limited by imagination and the mental capability of your loved one. Clay and playdough provide tactile opportunities to stay occupied and their mind involved. Sorting and arranging items, such as colorful beads, are very soothing for people with dementia. Flower arranging is an excellent and beautiful way to to satisfy this tactile need.

For those who are still mobile, walking is a fantastic activity on many levels. It improves mood and minimizes agitation, while making sure people get outside for fresh air and sunshine. Dancing can combine physical activity and music therapy and is often a favorite activity for seniors with dementia. Physical activity is known to alleviate symptoms of sundowning, so if your loved one cannot walk or dance, try other forms of activity – such as chair exercises or a balloon toss. Simple “sit to stand” exercises help with balance and posture. Stretching movements are beneficial even when seated as well.

Pet therapy, which most often involves dogs but can invove other animals, is ideal for those who are comfortable around animals. Studies prove that animal interaction can reduce behaviors associated with sundowning by releasing hormones that enhance wellbeing and faciliatate communication and memory.

Come Visit A Banyan Residence

If you have a family member in need of memory care, we invite you to visit A Banyan Residence .You can take a tour, browse our calendar and attend any activities we offer to get a better feel for our community.