10 Activities for a Parent with Alzheimer’s
Finding activities for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult. However, once you understand how the disease’s four major symptoms affect your loved one, you can begin to adapt their routine and add activities that focus on helping them in these areas.
When monitoring the progression of Alzheimer’s, it’s common to discuss the four A’s.
- Amnesia, or memory loss
- Aphasia, or impaired communication
- Apraxia, or impaired motor skills
- Agnosia, or inability to experience sensory information
When planning activities for your parent, it’s a great idea to try to address the four A’s. Many of the activities we’ve recommended below provide opportunities to guide your loved one in building their memory, communication ability, motor skills, and sensory reception. This can help slow the progress of Alzheimer’s and decrease its daily impact on your family member.
Taking the time each week to try these 10 activities for a parent with Alzheimer’s can help you feel more confident you’re providing your loved one with what they need to live a happy, healthy life.
1. Listen to music.
Music can relieve stress for anyone but is especially important for those with Alzheimer’s. Your loved ones may feel a great deal of anxiety, depression, and agitation at different times throughout their daily routine. Calming music can make tasks easier and let them feel more at peace.
Additionally, research suggests music can help patients remember more. Alzheimer’s disease does not harm the part of the brain that forms and stores musical memories. This means playing your parent’s favorite songs may jog their memory.
New technology in home automation can help your parents access music with ease. Consider making an outline with commands for an Amazon Alexa or a Google Home they would enjoy using. Write out a script for what they should say to find their favorite songs, apps, or TV channels and to control volume.
2. Do a puzzle or crossword.
A daily puzzle or crossword not only contributes to Mom or Dad’s routine but also keeps their problem-solving skills fresh. Studies now suggest doing puzzles throughout life can lead to a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s altogether. But a parent who’s already suffering from the disease will still benefit from these mental exercises. You can find large-print puzzles in most grocery or general stores.
3. Do light chores.
While your aging parent may have some difficulty moving around, working together to complete some light chores around the house can let them feel useful. Whether they can stand and sweep the kitchen or simply sit and fold a few pieces of laundry, completing chores can help those with Alzheimer’s retain these life skills.
There are ways to adapt chores to make them easier. For example, mark important buttons on washers and dryers with raised button stickers, or clearly label hot and cold water sources with red and blue nail polish.
4. Take a walk.
Weather permitting, a short walk outdoors can be a great way to get some exercise and refresh your parent’s memory regarding places and directions in the neighborhood. When you’re walking, be sure to take it slow so your loved one can avoid any exhaustion or confusion.
If you want your family member to get exercise, but have limited time and know they can’t go alone, there are experts that can help. Companion services are available to accompany your loved one on their stroll in the fresh air.
5. Work in the garden.
Planting and tending to a garden can be a rewarding task for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Depending on the space available and your loved one’s mobility, you can build a window box, a planter, or a flowerbed in the yard. Raised boxes are especially great for helping them avoid bending down or getting on the ground. You and your parent can enjoy the food or beauty resulting from your hard work.
6. Make a family tree.
Making a creative family tree may let you remind your parent of loved ones near and far. This can be a fun activity for everyone in the family and can help Mom or Dad’s memory by giving everyone a chance to go through pictures from the past with your parent. You can even frame and hang the family tree on the wall as a piece of decor to continually enjoy.
7. Reminisce with them.
Set aside time every few days to work with your parent and think about significant events or ideas from the past. Talk with them about their parents and grandparents, their home town, their school, their first boyfriend, or their best friends. Whether it’s items they encounter every day or fun trips your family enjoyed together, reminiscing on different categories can help your parent keep their memory working as much as possible.
8. Write a letter.
Writing is an excellent way to practice a life skill and get your loved one thinking. It’s okay if you have to assist them with writing or holding the pen, but try encouraging them to speak to their loved one in their own words. By corresponding with friends or family, they can feel connected to those outside their home and reap the reward of getting a letter back.
9. Bake bread.
Baking is a great way to set aside time for your parent to go through a step-by-step process and get moving with mixing and kneading. This can let them feel useful around the house because they have the opportunity to accomplish something—and you’ll both enjoy the outcome!
10. Try arts and crafts.
From folding paper dolls to coloring a picture, arts and crafts can be a soothing, productive way to help Mom or Dad exercise cognitive and motor skills. They may enjoy everything from painting to crocheting, so be sure to provide plenty of options and support. Wanting to challenge your parent a bit? Have them color American flag picture correctly as a small way to work on motor skills and memory.
Adding these 10 things to your parent’s daily routine can allow you to address the four A’s of Alzheimer’s to make each day a little easier for your loved one.
We know giving up a caregiver role can be tough. If you want your family member to have additional care while you help them by providing companionship and love, don’t hesitate to contact a care team. In-home experts can provide necessary care and supervision, even doing activities like these with your parent. You can ensure your loved one is happy and safe while finding a little extra balance in your own life.
Safe-T Home Care is an in-home care agency in Monticello, Indiana. We provide services such as transportation, personal care, and companionship to your loved ones so they can remain safely at home and maintain as much independence as possible. For more information, please visit our website or like us on Facebook.