Memory loss is a hard truth for many people. Dementia is a term used to describe many neurologic disorders, all of which have memory loss as a symptom. There is no clear cut reason as to why dementia develops, but there are certain conditions that increase the risk of developing it later on, such as obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, smoking, isolation, inactivity, and some mental health conditions, such as depression. Mood swings are common in those with dementia, sometimes starting prior to other symptoms such as forgetfulness and confusion. Other symptoms include forgetting recent events, becoming confused in familiar places, difficulty performing normal tasks, and issues following conversations. Dementia is estimated to affect 55 million people globally, with an estimated 10 million new cases diagnosed every year. It is key to start a treatment plan as soon as it has been diagnosed to keep other symptoms from being less severe. While we at Covenant Columns are prepared to assist your loved one as they go through these changes with individual care tailored to their needs, it’s important to know that there are many options to enrich the mind of someone suffering from this terrible condition. Here, we provide a few options regarding toys and other items that can be used to stimulate the mind and encourage creativity.
Fidget toys can be used to keep a person occupied. From children with sensory issues, to adults with sensory issues, a fidget toy can help one concentrate on a task, keep a person occupied, or even soothe those who may be anxious, frustrated, agitated, or just plain bored. Things such as worry beads have been around for ages, but with the advent of the fidget spinner (pictured above), there have been plenty of other options on the rise. At Covenant Columns, we work hard to keep all of our memory care residents’ minds stimulated at their appropriate levels. We truly care about every individual’s needs whether they just need reminders or more in-depth care. Fidget toys are a neat way to help those with memory and sensory issues.
Fidget blankets, like the one pictured above from Amazon.com, are a great way to keep those wandering hands occupied. They have a variety of textures and activities that can be pleasing to your loved one with memory problems. Tasks like buttoning buttons, tying shoelaces, and moving beads back and forth are often included with these. Textured areas can be velvety soft or rough like sandpaper. They are often presented like a book for easier clean up and portability. There are also fidget aprons, like this DIY pattern here, that can be used in a similar manner, but are worn instead of presented like a book. If your loved one is more prone to losing things, the apron may be a better option. No need to worry if you can’t provide these though – Covenant Columns has many other activities, such as coloring pages and puzzles, that also help to keep your loved one occupied during their stay.
You may have seen Tangle toys in your child’s classroom, but they can also be a remarkable tool for your loved one with dementia. A Tangle toy can be contorted into a variety of shapes. They’re colorful, can be broken and rebuilt again and again, and some have textures as well. You can even attach multiple Tangle toys to make an even bigger Tangle toy if you wish. It is important to note that, since they can be broken and rebuilt, supervision is a must when playing with them! Due to the fact that they can be broken and rebuilt, they can present a choking hazard if your loved one has a tendency to put things in their mouth. They are extremely portable and can be worn as a bracelet if loss may be an issue. They’re available here on Amazon and in most major stores.
Twiddle Muffs are a brand of sensory toy that uses a muff as its base. Your elderly family member is able to put both their hands in either end and keep them warm or they can interact with a variety of different sensory items such as an orbit ball, beads, a crinkly packet made of buckskin, ribbons, and a hook and loop patch to provide hours of entertainment. They come in many colors and varieties, such as this cat version. There are dog versions available as well, each with the common goal of helping your loved one occupy their time in a constructive way. They are available on Amazon here.
OTHER IDEAS
What if you’re unable to purchase or make one of these particular toys? There’s no need to worry. There are many options to keep your loved one grounded that are not very expensive and enrich your loved one just as much.
- Folding Laundry
Folding laundry is a common action that can be seen as therapeutic. The familiarity of soft fabrics and the repetitive motion of folding can soothe your loved one while they perform a constructive task. Stick to easier items to fold such as towels or t-shirts. Some clothing such as button-down shirts may prove to be difficult and can cause feelings of frustration.
- Organization Help
Whether it’s a drawer or paperwork, having your loved one assist with “organizing” something such as old papers or junk drawers challenges their critical thinking skills while providing a stimulating activity. Mimicking a common household task can provide a feeling of accomplishment and will also have your loved one feeling as though they are helping with a household task.
- Crochet or Knitting
Using a large gauge needle or hook and thick, bright yarn, your loved one can stitch up a storm, helping them with their dexterity and showing off their creativity. Even if one can only cast on or set up a foundation chain, they are still able to show their creativity and have something tangible to show for it.
These are only a few of the many different activities that help soothe and calm a senior with dementia. Every single person is different, so not all activities will work for the same two people. At Covenant Columns, we keep this in mind while we provide care for all of our residents. We believe each person is unique and needs different care. Providing individualized care is the best way to improve patient outcomes. Call us at 804-373-CARE (2273) or drop us a line here.