Aging is challenging enough, but when seniors are also battling something as complicated as Alzheimer’s disease the challenges seem even bigger. As cognitive abilities decline, seniors may find that they start to feel less positive about themselves and their abilities. Having dementia care services available can help seniors handle this matter in different ways,
Dementia care providers can help them to try some of these activities and boost their self-esteem, all at the same time.
Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscence, or memory, therapy helps people with Alzheimer’s disease to revisit moments from their past. It can be formal, as in done with a talk therapist, or it can be informal. Informal memory therapy might involve using memory boxes filled with letters, mementos, and photos that trigger memories for the senior. Sharing stories and memories helps seniors with Alzheimer’s to connect with the people around them and to their personal history.
Arts and Creativity
Engaging in creative and artistic pursuits helps seniors to have a way to express themselves in a non-verbal way. Painting, drawing, crafting, and more all tap into the creative part of the brain. It’s not about what the person produces, but about enjoying the process of creating. This helps to offer a sense of accomplishment afterward, which is a huge way to boost self-esteem.
Music Therapy
Music can have a tremendous impact on people with Alzheimer’s disease. Listening to old favorite songs or making new music helps to evoke memories, bring forth emotions, and produce feelings of joy and happiness. Music therapy can improve moods, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Home care providers can help to make this type of therapy a part of every day.
Connecting to Nature
Everyone can benefit from connecting to nature, but it’s also helpful for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Planting flowers, tending to vegetable patches, or just being outside in nature has a calming effect and can help people feel a sense of purpose. Making some time every week to spend in nature can be a really easy way to boost self-esteem.
Moving and Exercising
Being more physically active is helpful for physical well-being, but also for mental well-being. It’s a good idea to start with recommendations from medical providers to craft an exercise plan that meets the Alzheimer’s patient’s needs. From there, it’s about including movement and exercise into the regular daily routine.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
Spending time in relaxation and mindfulness activities can also boost self-esteem in seniors who are dealing with cognitive illnesses. These activities, including deep breathing and meditation, can help with improving feelings of calm. Engaging in more mindfulness activities can reduce stress and anxiety, offering an empowering experience.
Social Engagement
Maintaining social connections is another important aspect of maintaining self-esteem. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to withdraw from the people they love and care about, often because of embarrassment. Spending time with dementia care providers, family members, and friends can foster feelings of belonging and self-worth.
Supporting self-esteem for Alzheimer’s patients is crucial because it offers significant benefits for overall well-being. Making some of these changes is a lot easier with the help of dementia care providers who understand the needs of patients with cognitive illnesses.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Dementia Care Services in Massapequa NY, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and in NYC including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stonybrook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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