What are some ideas for activites for an elderly man with dementia?
My Grandpa was just put in a nursing home. He suffers from dementia, and I was trying to think of activites (preferably solo) for him. Some hand-held game ideas or something? Oh, and just and FYI, he's mainly in the nursing home temporarily for his severe broncitis, not his dementia. And we visit, but we can't be there 24/7. So when we aren't there, i wanted some ideas for him to entertain him.
Senior Citizens - 7 Answers
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1 :
He would benefit from group activities and get to know the other residents. Solo games just sound so lonely.
2 :
Depending on how severe his dementia, it's good to involve activities that keep the mind working and clicking. Except, you've got to be sure it's not over-working and confusing the poor guy. I work at an adult family home and our gentlemen like to put together small puzzles, bounce balls back and forth, play cards, word searches or crossword puzzles, read books that evoke some nostalgia...etc. Hope I helped at least a little! i'd like to know more about what I can do to keep dementia and alzheimers people engaged !
3 :
There are a lot of hand-held games he might enjoy. Also a personal cd player with some of his favorite songs. Big bands, etc. I did this for my aunt, but she threw everything in a drawer & never used it. I'm in another state, but her 2 children are there.----e-mail me if you want.
4 :
Just visit him. He isn't a child waiting to be entertained. He lives in his MOMENT and to help him is to spend time in that moment. Persons with AD do not use HAND HELD apparatus for entertainment.
5 :
From my experience, unless your grandpa was interested in the hand held devices before, he'll probably find them confusing and frustrating now. I think it would be best to base his activities on his known interests. For example, if he was a card player, then try to find him a card playing partner. If he was a wood worker, a birdhouse kit or something like that might keep his interest. I don't think that this is the time to be introducing complicated activities, but it is a time to build on his own interests.
6 :
From working in an Assisted Living facility, I found that helping the elderly color with crayons in a coloring book is good. While they may not color the entire picture themself, you can entertain them by doing it. Warning though, if he acts like he isn't interested in 'whatever' don't push it. What may happen is you'll have an elderly man w/dementia in a fit of rage.
7 :
My dad had dementia, and more and more he lost his interest in life. He previously liked to read and play cards, but he gradually enjoyed tv, watching musical activities at the assisted living home, and just sitting and watching people. He didn't enjoy interactive activities with others, because I think he realized he couldn't keep up. Everyone is different, but he didn't have the agility or concentration to play hand-held games. Good luck. Ask him, and read up on what is available.
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