Key Takeaways:

  • Approaching care with Montessori techniques can encourage creativity and stimulate the brain in new ways.
  • There are various types of tasks, activities and exercises included in the Montessori approach.
  • Find what works best for your Dementia patient through trial and error.
D

ementia is a devastating disease that affects millions of people each year. The condition can cause memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive issues that make it difficult for patients to function on their own.

In addition to medication and therapy, there are many activities you can do at home with your loved one that will help them stay active, engaged, and happy. One of the most effective ways to improve the quality of life for dementia patients is through Montessori activities.

Montessori activities can help patients because they encourage creativity, stimulate the brain, and give the opportunity to spend time together as a family or group of friends.

Here are some Montessori activities you can try with Dementia patients:

Sensory Tasks

Sensory tasks are activities that stimulate the senses and are important because they can help keep the whole mind alert.

Here are some sensory task examples:

  • When it comes to smell, have patients identify the scent of citrus, lavender, cherry, or vanilla candles.
  • For taste, have them put their hands over their eyes and line up three different types of fruit. Have them take a bit from each fruit and see if they can identify the fruit from its taste or texture.
  • For touch, activities like finger painting or sensory bags filled with sand are great ways to stimulate awareness through texture.
  • Stimulation through sight can be as simple as showing dementia patients pictures of loved ones or watching their favorite movies and following along with the plot.
  • Hearing sensory tasks can be filled with playing nature sounds, such as waterfalls, rainforests, or gentle crashes of waves on the beach. These sounds can evoke relaxation in your patients.

Art Exercises

Art is a wonderful way to help dementia patients express themselves and remember things.

Studies have shown that art activities can improve mood and reduce depression symptoms in people with Alzheimer's disease. Art activities also help people with Alzheimer's disease express their feelings by making them feel more confident about what they are creating.

You can have them choose a picture they would like to draw or have them try to copy a photo.

Music and Dancing Activities

Music and dancing are both soothing activities for dementia patients. Music can calm your loved one, while dancing can help improve their mood.

Dancing is also a fun way to exercise and get the blood flowing in all parts of the body, which is great for dementia patients who may have difficulty moving around as they did before they were diagnosed with this condition.

It’s important to remember that when you choose music or songs to play for them, it’s best not to pick anything too fast-paced since this might make things harder on them instead of easier like what you want it to do!

Gardening Tasks

Gardening tasks are a great way to get dementia patients outdoors. The smell of the soil and plants can be very therapeutic for those with dementia, as well as their caregivers. Gardening is also good for the environment, so it's a win-win situation!

Dementia patients can be engaged in meaningful activities through sensory tasks, gardening, art, and music. You just need to find the right one for your loved one!

For more Dementia resources and support, check out our articles:

Dec 14, 2022
 in 
Caregiving
 category
Posted