If a loved one of yours has been diagnosed with dementia, you would know just how lonely and tough it can be. It might be tough to find an activity for your loved one to do or to interact with them if they are withdrawing from the people around them.
Encouraging activities in line with the Montessori Method is one approach to assisting a loved one with dementia. Autonomy, freedom within limitations, and respect for an individual’s natural social, physical, and psychological growth are all emphasized in the Montessori Method.
Montessori activities are straightforward, adaptable, and useful. Here are some great Montessori activities for seniors.
Movement Activities
For your loved one, purposeful actions offer several advantages. Activities that involve a complete range of motion and gentle motions might help your loved one stay active while still being relaxing. All movement exercises should include calm, deep breathing. Encourage your loved one to reach out and identify the portion of their body that is bothering them. You can have them sit in a chair or stand up, depending on their physical limits. For sedentary individuals, encourage them to make motions that resemble plucking an apple from its tree, collecting strawberries in a field, or arranging flowers in a container. These universal movements assist in keeping your loved one physically active and exercising.
Sensory Activities
Sensory activities are beneficial and can assist in keeping the entire mind attentive. Use scented candles with scents like vanilla, cherry, lavender, or citrus for the sense of smell. Tell your loved one to accurately identify the fragrance. Place your loved one’s hands over their eyes for a taste test. Arrange three different varieties of fruit in front of them and ask them to take a bite from each to see if they can identify the fruit based on its taste or texture. Activities that require touch, such as recognizing things by picking them up, are simple and adjustable based on ability level.
Musical Activities
Music is a popular and successful technique to keep dementia patients engaged. Often, the region of the brain that recognizes music is the last to be damaged. Group bonding activities include listening to music, recognizing songs, dancing with groups, and singing with other people. Regardless of age disparities, many people can recognize and recognize patriotic anthems and church hymns. Simple musical exchanges, such as ringing a bell or drumming, may be highly beneficial and satisfying.
Artistic Activities
Dementia patients retain a significant deal of their creative abilities. Allow a loved one to paint in a simple environment. You may have them select an image to draw or ask them to try copying a photograph. There are so many possibilities, so get creative!
Social Activities
Dining is an excellent method of socializing because it is a daily activity. It helps seniors to socialize and share their experiences. Setting the table, having your loved one assist in the preparation of their favorite food, or simply having a discussion over dinner makes everyone feel welcome and encourages them to interact with one another.
