It is very common for caregivers to provide some level of memory care to individuals with a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Memory care is an effective form of therapeutic treatment because it can slow the progression of dementia and help the individual recover some independence. It’s important for the caregiver to constantly vary the activities involved in memory care to avoid repetition and keep them as engaging as possible – the less engaging an activity becomes, the less therapeutic it is.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a specialized care program for individuals with a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Memory care activities are designed to help improve cognitive abilities in a fun and engaging way.
Activities for seniors with dementia
Some activities may require light physical strength, so consult your physician or caregiver before attempting any of them.
1. Physical exercises
Exercise has many known benefits for physical and mental health, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, strengthening bones, and reducing stress. Remember, each person’s health and cognitive abilities vary, so it’s important to tailor each activity’s difficulty to the individual’s ability to perform it successfully without mentally burning out – start small and progress in baby steps.
Additional benefits:
- Improving sleep
- Improving mood
- Improving the health of the heart and blood vessels
- Improving the ability to perform self-care tasks, such as dressing, cleaning, cooking and other daily living activities
- Helping with restlessness and wandering
Safety tips:
- Consult your physician/healthcare provider before doing any of the exercises below. It is important to know your limits.
- Monitor levels of fatigue and exertion by constantly communicating with your caregiver.
- Stop if you feel pain, confusion, difficulty breathing or other symptoms, as instructed by your caregiver/healthcare provider.
- Always stay hydrated!
- For outdoor activities, wear comfortable & lightweight fabrics such as cotton, and stay out of the sun.
Simple exercises:
Walking: It is recommended to walk at least 4 times per week for 20 – 40 minutes at a time with minimal breaks (or none at all, if possible). You can even combine walking with errands and other daily living activities. Consider taking shorter walks if distance becomes a problem. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and proper clothing (e.g., in the summertime, wear clothing made of a lightweight fabric such as cotton to avoid overheating), and bring a bottle of water to rehydrate.
Staying balanced in a standing position: Stand upright with your shoulders tucked back and your chest out. This exercise is perfect for strengthening balance. It can improve daily activities that involve standing still for longer periods (e.g., washing dishes or waiting in line at the grocery store) and prevent falling.
Unsupported sitting: Sit unsupported for several minutes at a time, several times per week. This can improve balance and posture, as well as strengthen the back and abdominal muscles.
Stretching in bed: This can help loosen stiff muscles and aid blood circulation. The activity is very simple: just move various parts of your body and stretch any muscles that feel stiff.
Moderate exercises:
Light yoga poses: Yoga can help build core strength and general flexibility. Not all yoga involves complicated maneuvers; depending on the patient’s fitness level, consider a light yoga routine at least 2 to 4 times per week (or as instructed by a physician).
Stretches/mobility exercises: Depending on the fitness level of the individual, consider various types of stretches such as seated stretches
Tai Chi: Tai Chi can help improve balance, sleep habits, stamina, and core strength. Several studies suggest that Tai Chi can potentially preserve/improve cognitive function, as well as reduce the risk of dementia.
Household chores: Helping individuals with dementia perform household activities can be both fun and productive, as it gradually helps the individual regain independence in daily activities. Start with basic chores such as folding laundry, dusting, washing dishes, light vacuuming, or moving light furniture such as chairs and decorations.
Advanced exercises:
Dancing: Dancing is perfect for individuals who want to have some fun while boosting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Studies show that dancing can improve strength and muscle function, as well as balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Consider joining dance classes in your local community or at a dance school.
Water exercises: Consider joining a local YMCA or gym that offers water activities such as swimming and sports.
2. Music
Research suggests that listening to music or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for individuals with forms of dementia. Musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease. Music therapy should be personalized to each individual’s preferences and the music they like; put together a list of songs that bring back memories of past events and that appeal to their overall taste.
Music can:
- Relieve stress
- Reduce agitation & irritation
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve sleep
- Improve speech
Sing-alongs: Look for short, catchy tunes that are easy to remember and follow. For some, it could be beneficial to print out the lyrics on Post-it notes or large note cards. Encourage the senior to tap to the beat, play a complementary musical instrument, or dance lightly.
Name that tune: Make a list of all-time popular songs from their era or songs they’re familiar with, play the songs in random order and let them try to guess each one.
Relaxation music: Listen to relaxing music during mealtimes, while doing household chores, and/or for leisure. Classical music is typically best suited for this. Avoid ambient or nature sounds, as they might be confusing. For example, a senior might mistake the sound of a waterfall for running water that should be turned off. Relaxing music should have a long & continuous melody and evoke some kind of emotional response – or, better yet, pick tunes that bring back memories.
