Gentle Hand Massage

Reduce tension.

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Manicure

This is a great way to provide some pampering.

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Nostalgic TV

Nostalgic TV programs and movies with a light snack can be a good way to relax.

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Spa Time

"Spa Time" is a great way to help your loved one relax, and spend some quality time with you.

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Reminisce

Talking about the past and familiar events with your loved one brings a sense of comfort.

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Create a "Quiet Room"

A "Quiet Room" is a great place for your loved one to spend some downtime in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Sensory Botanical Garden or Conservatory Visit

Strolling through a garden to relax.

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Gentle Hand Massage

A hand massage using a little lotion with a favorite or relaxing scent is a simple way to connect and reduce tension.

Supplies:

Hand lotion. (An example of a complete Hand and Foot Lotion kit.)

Instructions:

Gently rub your loved one's hands. Be sure to be very soft in your pressure. Hand lotion can help.

Manicure

This is a great way to provide some pampering. A manicure complete with a beautiful color can leave someone feeling refreshed and more vibrant.

Supplies:

File board.
Nail Clippers.
Nail polish.
Clean cloth or tissues.

Instructions:

Give your loved one a manicure.

Nostalgic TV

Nostalgic TV programs and movies with a light snack can be a good way to relax.

Supplies:

Many cable channels run old TV series.
DVDs of a series can be purchased cheaply.
Netflix or Youtube may have other options.
Popcorn, fruit, or occasionally an old-fashioned candy is a great addition as well.

Instructions:

Watch one of your loved one's favorite television shows from when they were growing up.

"Spa Time"

"Spa Time" is a great way to help your loved one relax, and spend some quality time with you.

Supplies:

Pick and choose your spa supplies based on your choice of spa activities.

Lighting sets the mood with safe, battery-operated candles.
Aromatherapy supplies can include incense diffusers, essential oils, or even a bouquet of flowers.
For a foot soak, you can use a large pot or purchase an at-home foot spa kit.
Example Spa Kit.

Instructions:

Some ideas for "Spa Time" may include playing calming music and having some relaxing lighting (battery operated candles are inexpensive and safe.) Aromatherapy can also provide a tranquil sensory experience, lavender: rose, lemon and vanilla are popular scents. Arm, hand and scalp massages are excellent as well. Another popular idea is a foot soak in warm, scented water, followed by a gentle foot massage.

Reminisce

Talking about the past and familiar events with your loved one brings a sense of comfort.

Supplies:

Photo albums or history picture books.

Instructions:

Share favorite memories or look through old pictures together.

Create a "Quiet Room"

A "Quiet Room" is a great place for your loved one to spend some downtime in a relaxed atmosphere.

Supplies:

A place with a comfortable chair.
A familiar object to hold.
A favorite sweater or blanket.
A much-loved snack.
Favorite music playing.

Instructions:

Designate a room or space with bright light and minimal sensory distractions. Perhaps calm music or a puzzle can be brought into this space.

Sensory Botanical Garden or Conservatory Visit

Strolling through a garden or creating/tending your own is a great way to engage the sensory system in a soothing way that incorporates smell, sight and touch.