Crafting is often touted as a way to relax, but it can do more than that for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Working on crafts can help keep minds engaged and provide a new way for families to connect through a shared experience.
Typically, summer is a time of celebration. A time when we all stock up on burgers, hot dogs, and our favorite potluck ingredients. We invite family and friends over for picnics, barbecues, and reunions.
For family caregivers who are longing for spring, March can feel like a tease. The occasional early crocus appears on the lawn, but trees remain stubbornly bare. Days finally grow longer, but the weather can be unpredictable – jumping from warm and breezy to cold and snowy.
Winter’s long, dark days can be a difficult time for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Chilly days and icy sidewalks can limit time outdoors, forcing caregivers to get creative with engaging activities for their loved one with dementia.
Sensory stimulation has been shown to benefit patients with dementia. In particular, studies have shown that tactile stimulation can increase feelings of trust and relaxation in patients with dementia while giving caregivers a positive way to interact with their patient or loved one.
The holidays are a time of passing along memories and traditions from one generation to the next. For a family with a loved one with dementia, it is also a time of lost memories and adjusting traditions to fit a new reality. It can be a bittersweet time, but preparing ahead can help keep the holidays special for the whole family.
