If your senior loved one has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, there are a few things you can do to preserve his or her cognitive health, and it’s never too early to start implementing these measures. Making sure your loved one has plenty of opportunities for mental engagement is one of the most important decisions you can make for his or her future. Here are a few ways to provide the cognitive stimulation your loved one needs.
Encourage Visits with Family & Friends
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often begin to socialize less, but interacting with others and engaging in conversation are great for stimulating the brain. However, social events can be overwhelming for some seniors with Alzheimer’s, especially when large groups of people are present.
Instead of attending major social events, try to schedule visits with family members and close friends during the times when your loved one is less likely to be agitated. For example, if your loved one is usually happy and relaxed early in the morning, invite a family member or friend over for breakfast.
Aging adults with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from receiving professional Alzheimer’s care. Miami seniors need regular mental stimulation when managing memory-related conditions, and a reliable in-home caregiver who has extensive training in Alzheimer’s care can be a great asset.
Set Aside Time for Hobbies
Though participating in hobbies doesn’t necessarily slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, certain activities can still keep your loved one mentally engaged and significantly enhance his or her quality of life. Encourage your loved one to continue doing his or her favorite hobbies because they can foster self-expression and stimulate memory.
Put Puzzles Together
Puzzles can be an excellent way to boost cognitive functioning. For instance, puzzles with large pieces and simple pictures are ideal for seniors with Alzheimer’s because they offer opportunities for greater control and independence, and they also encourage the use of reasoning and spatial skills.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Miami families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Play Music from the Past
The music your loved one enjoyed in the past can boost cognitive function in the present because he or she is likely to associate it with important events and emotions. Engaging your loved one in singing and dancing can also alleviate the agitation that often accompanies Alzheimer’s.
Participate in Everyday Tasks
Though your loved one will likely need help with certain tasks like cooking, bathing, and grooming, especially in the later stages of the disease, encouraging him or her to carry out some of these tasks independently can stimulate the brain. If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health. Whether your parent needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive 24-hour care, give us a call today.
