The holiday season has come to an end. It might seem as though the merriment of Christmas and New Year has vanished, leaving a sense of doom and gloom behind. However, springtime is not without its benefits. With the sun out for longer and the trees becoming green once again, it is a splendid time of the year! As the months slowly become warmer, you can expect to be outdoors for longer. You can also enjoy springtime with friends and family. For the caregivers of those with dementia, you may be scratching your heads wondering about the kinds of activities that people with dementia can engage in. This article serves to be a starting point for you to help plan what you can do.
Understanding Dementia
Before planning out a litany of activities, it may be important to revisit what dementia is. It’s a neurological condition that is marked with a decreased cognitive capability. Usually, memory is most affected. Those with dementia may further struggle with anxiety, restlessness, bouts of anger, and depression. Daily tasks can become frustrating for them too. It’s important to keep these in mind as you think of enjoyable springtime activities. Do remember to have an open dialogue with your parents or whoever you are caring for about what they would like to do.
Holiday-Themed Arts And Crafts
Christmas has gone but Easter is just around the corner. Even if the holiday does not have any religious significance for you, it is a great way to bring some cheer to your household. Arts and crafts are not only a good way to make affordable decorations, but they can also be beneficial for those with anxiety issues. They may be prone to fidgeting and excessively using their hands. With art, they are productively occupied in a meaningful way. What’s more, it’s a great way to bond with family members of all ages.
Doing Exercise Together
Now that the sun is out for longer, exercise can become a whole lot more exciting. You can go outdoors in a nearby park or a hiking trail – for the adventurous ones – and have a leisurely walk that rejuvenates you. Physical fitness and mental states go hand in hand so you can expect a boost in their cognition too. If your parents have limited mobility, you could always push their wheelchair and bring them outdoors. Even a few minutes of fresh air can have tremendous benefits. Other outdoor activities can include family picnics or bird watching.
Spring Cleaning
This probably sounds like the least exciting item thus far but cleaning the home is a win-win for everyone. Firstly, it helps you and your parents declutter and keep the home environment pleasant. More than that, it gives back your parents the agency that has been robbed of them through the disease. It ensures that they are needed and allows them the ability to make decisions for themselves and the home. You may not want to trouble your parents with cleaning, but they may appreciate it more than you realize!
