Hobbies For Those With Dementia
As you’re aware my nan has Dementia in the form of Alzheimer’s and every now and then I write about how it’s affecting her (as well as me).In recent weeks my nan has started to deteriorate particularly in the evenings, which is known as sun downing. She starts to become very confused, disorientated and at times quite distressed or angry in the evenings which is common for many with dementia.
Dementia can cause anxiety and depression for the person suffering from it as the disease affects their ability to do so many things from structuring a sentence, making a cup of tea to even walking and being able to see things in 3D.
Dementia is such an isolating and lonely condition for the sufferer and if I can find things that will help my nan’s brain to deteriorate even slightly slower than I will take that chance.
During these precious moments which are sadly reducing, I’ve recently found out that there are various activities I could do with her to help keep her mind stimulated.
Active Minds are a company that specialise in activities, games, puzzles and exercises to help people who have Dementia. They have worked with Dementia specialists and carers to create their products, which include art activities, animal bingo, DVDs and reminiscence books.
My favourite is the aquapaint activity which is a reusable painting activity where only water is used. Once the water dries the image fade and can be used again and my nan won’t have to worry about trying to draw the initial shapes and no paint can be spilled.
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| Aquapaint |
I love that there’s a range of activities which are designed to be entertaining whilst doing the crucial thing of helping maintain their cognitive function. Some of the activities like the jigsaws and the bingo are things I can do with my nan.
Chunk can even get involved so it seems more like a family game and he still gets to do fun things with his great grandmother and create lovely memories to look back upon. This would appeal to my nan as she is a very proud woman and would hate to think that she was doing an activity specifically for Dementia.
What I like most is that there are so many different activities meaning we have always got something to try as she progresses through the various stages of Dementia and it’s all things she can do in the comfort of her own home.
If you have any suggestions of things I can try with nan, please comment below!
9 Comments
Unknown
31st March 2016 at 10:16 am
The aquapaint activity sounds brilliant, thank you for blogging this.
Unknown
9th April 2016 at 11:31 am
Sorry to hear about your Nan, it must be a very tough condition to live with. It's great however to see some of the activity ideas, the painting with water seems like loads of fun!
Oliver Long
9th April 2016 at 12:00 pm
So sorry to hear about your nan, but it doesn't look like the condition is stopping her from living her life so good on her!! The aquapaint activity sounds fantastic! 😀
Oliver • http://suedeandsymphony.com
Elizabeth
10th April 2016 at 5:07 am
That must be so difficult. I fear getting dementia in my older years, I really do. The paint thing sounds lovely.
John Milnes
11th April 2016 at 9:53 am
I know from first hand how certain illness can effect family members. Doing what you can to help is all you can do, being creative sounds like a good way to keep your nan going.
Thanks for Sharing
John M
Chloe/Life Unexpected
11th April 2016 at 4:29 pm
I am so sorry to hear about your nan. I love the idea of aquapaint. Especially that you can all join in together and make it a family thing too.
Unknown
11th April 2016 at 8:01 pm
These sound like great activities. My Gran also has dementia but unfortunately I think it is too advanced now for us to be able to do any of these with her. They sound like fun though. Xx
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