People who suffer from dementia should be afforded the same access to the same kinds of activities as healthy individuals. If you are thinking of helping your loved ones who have memory problems, you should consider the memory care communities that are available in the country. The activities that these communities provide allow for residents to feel included, socialize with others and stimulate the brain to slow down the decline of their memory. Not only will these activities allow them to feel better about themselves, but will give them a chance to pursue the same activities that once gave them feelings of pleasure in the past.
Research has shown that residents who engage in stimulating activities that they enjoy can help them to stay calmer and slow down the deterioration of their cognitive processes and memory loss. Below are some ways that these communities can help your loved ones to live better and fuller lives.
Music
Music therapy has been shown to re-stimulate memories and enhance new memories by lowering levels of stress and anxiety. This is especially helpful if the individual is particularly passionate about enjoying music. Music has also been seen to change the atmosphere and mood of any setting, which is perfect for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of mood-altering ailments. Classical music or nostalgic tunes can be played for individuals from an old-school jukebox or turntable to invoke precious memories of the past. Furthermore, residents who know how to play musical instruments are always encouraged to continue developing their skills so that they remember how to play them despite the decline of their mental faculties. Another great way to utilize music therapy is for communities to host events such as sing-along or karaoke sessions as a method to increase interaction between residents and let them have fun.
Art Therapy
Arts and crafts are also an incredible way to help residents with memory issues to expand on their creativity and improve their cognition. By painting, coloring, or drawing the things around them, individuals can then express their feelings and thoughts while making use of their motor skills.
As such, people with memory problems are often encouraged to express themselves in their own preferred medium. Just like playing a musical instrument, these fine art skills need to be practiced regularly so that our brains do not forget. All we need is to provide these people with a variety of materials and mediums to create works from their own imagination and they will be able to benefit from the calming effects of creating.
Video Exposure
By exposing residents to videos of their favorite places and sights, memory care communities can help them to retrieve these memories and improve their moods as well. By constantly showing them videos of familiar people, sounds, and even colors can help to engage their brains and give them feelings of nostalgia and joy. Giving them a glimpse of the past and places which they cannot travel to, they can live through these experiences without having to leave their seat.
