Making a list of things you are grateful for can help you refocus on the things that matter most.
Write a list of things you’re grateful to have in your life and display it somewhere you can see it often. We have a tendency to focus on the negative, so remind yourself of all you are grateful for.
This practice helps you focus on where you would like to be, and removes you from your daily stresses.
Find a quiet and relaxing space, and sit in a comfortable position. Start by focusing on your breath; breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Clear your mind, and visualize a safe and calming scene. For instance, you can envision a place where you can relax and be at peace, or you can envision yourself acheiving something that you have been wanting to do.
Matching can be fun, and helps to engage your loved one in a mental activity.
Have your loved one match the different patterns or colors of fabric. Make piles out of each kind of fabric.
You can create your own matching game or purchase an already made one. If your loved one enjoys sewing and can still do some stitching, you can make the pieces yourself or have him or her help. For those who cannot sew, fabric choice and pattern tracing is a great way to help.
Memory boxes can be a great way to link a person to what they love from their past, helping to restore a person's identity. Some reasons memory boxes are useful:
Help your loved one create a box of memories they can enjoy on a regular basis. When you search for keepsakes, you may find special items you did not realize the senior still had. You can put anything you like in a memory box. If your loved one is able, it is encouraged that he or she participates in the selection of items. You can use any style of box and even make an additional project out of decorating it.
The Multi-Colored Bean Jar Decoration is a fun way to create a decorative element for the home. More importantly, the craft project also involves touching and sorting the beans, which keeps the hands busy.
This is an activity with relatively easy instruction and safe materials depending on your choice of glue. (Using child-safe glue is a safe bet.) You can purchase bird feed or make your own at home as another activity. This activity can also initiate conversations about birds or you can take a walk and look for birds.
There are great instructions at the Creative Cubby website or follow the instructions below.
Choose a movie to watch together and set up the space with a special movie atmosphere.
If you are caring for someone who is a fishing enthusiast, setting up a tackle box can be a meaningful and fun activity. Depending on a person's stage of the illness it may be best not to include hooks or sharp objects in the box. However, plenty can still be done with colorful lures (hooks removed), bobbers, rubber fish, fishing line and sinkers.
Tackle Box or 2 Tray Tackle Box
Fishing Lures
Have your loved one organize the box by putting each item in separate compartments. Talk about the different types of fishing and what fish are found during what season and in what regions.
Going to a museum is a great way to entertain a loved one that requires minimal effort on the part of the caregiver with the exception of travel. There are many different types of museums so whether it is art, history or a specific exhibit your loved one is interested in, there is much to explore.
Inquire about what your loved one is seeing or experiencing. Ask them what they like about the piece or to describe it to you.\nSome museums offer dementia-specific days where the collection and presentation is designed to accommodate those with memory care concerns. Check your local resources to find out if a museum near you offers this type of program. Local calendars such as this New England calendar, are available online.
Building and construction is an activity that most men have experience with. You can be creative with the track you create and where it would be best used. You can even create surrounding scenery with your loved one. Trains often provide a sense of nostalgia for those who may have used them as a young child. This is also an activity that engineers or mechanics may particularly enjoy.