So, you’ve been told that your parent has Alzheimer’s. What now? Asking yourself this question is the first step in stopping the disease from stealing away years of your parents’ life and memory. The next step is to find alternative Alzheimer’s care recommendations that will keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible. While there’s no cure for dementia, there are ways to slow its progress and keep your loved ones happy and active. Below are some of my favorite recommendations when it comes to alternative Alzheimer’s care:
Therapy Dogs (Or Other Pets)
It’s no secret that dogs are great companions. They can help with socialization, physical activity, anxiety, depression, and pain management. The latest research has also shown that pets may even reduce loneliness for older adults.
If you’re worried about your loved one having a pet in their life because of their disease or dementia diagnosis (which is okay), there are some great alternatives: therapy dogs! Therapy dogs are trained to go into nursing homes and hospitals, where they interact with patients to provide comfort through touch or other methods, such as barking at them (proven effective). This interaction makes it easier for those with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing stress levels—a common symptom experienced by those living with the condition—and providing comfort during difficult times like hospital visits or doctor appointments.
Take A Walk
One of the best ways to keep your loved one active and engaged is to take them outside for a walk. Walking can help improve their mood, prevent depression, reduce stress, and even slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. However, if your loved one doesn’t want to go for a walk with you or has trouble walking safely on their own (which is common in people with this condition), it may be difficult to participate in this activity at first. Fortunately, there are some ways around these obstacles:
- You can try getting them into a senior-friendly independent living communitywhere team members can assist with getting up from chairs or helping someone who needs assistance going up or down stairs without causing any harm or injury in the process;
- If this isn’t possible due to budget constraints or other reasons, then consider using wheelchairs instead since these allow users to access outdoor spaces without worrying about falling over while walking around outdoors.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to get outdoors and exercise, and it can be therapeutic to work with your hands. You might also find that gardening helps you connect with nature and relax, which are two things that are important for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an alternative care option that can improve the mood of your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It involves using scents to affect mood, a great way to bring some relief into their lives. You can use essential oils in candles, oils, sprays, or massages oils-whatever feels suitable for you and your situation! This may seem unusual for someone who has trouble communicating their feelings. Still, if done correctly, it has been shown repeatedly that aromatherapy can improve the quality of life even in those suffering from severe cognitive decline.
Conclusion
You don’t have to take my word for it. Try these suggestions and see how they work for your loved one. Remember, even if they don’t seem like they’re helping at first, keep going! It can take time for a new activity or routine to become part of someone’s daily life, but when it does work out, it’s worth all the effort to find something suitable.
