When an aging senior has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, memory care services should be a topic discussed as early as possible. In most cases, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may have a life expectancy of between eight and 10 years. In some cases, aging men or women can live much longer than that with different types of dementia, but whether a person lives only a few more years or 10, 15, or even 20, still, they are going to require significant support and assistance along the way.
There are numerous activities that aging men and women can and should consider doing if they are struggling with memory as a result of aging, dementia, or some other medical condition.
Watching old movies.
Sitting down to watch a movie from the golden age of television or cinema essentially brings a senior back to their younger years. It’s a wonderful way to stir memories of spending time with friends, going on a date, being with family, and more.
Yet, it’s not just about watching a movie that can make a world of difference to improve memory. It’s also asking specific questions. Let that person who has Alzheimer’s, for example, tell stories of the memories they begin to recount while watching this film.
It would be a great idea to have a remote and be able to pause the film at different times when their memory begins to strike it rich.
Looking through old photo albums with Memory Care Aides.
In a very similar manner to watching classic movies, seniors with Alzheimer’s can benefit by looking through old photo albums. They can tell stories about some of the pictures they see, whether it was when they were children, teenagers, young adults, or at any other stage in their life.
The pictures don’t even have to be of them, but of people they have known throughout their life. This spark can lead to more incredible stories for these aging men and women as they age.
Spending a day out.
Take the senior to a place he or she used to love to go, even if it was only 10 or 20 years ago. Just that simple drive can lead them down a wonderful road of memories.
If you are able to get this aging senior to a place where he or she spent their childhood, you may find they can get flooded by memories. It’s important to balance the resurgence of memories with what they can handle, based on how far along this form of dementia has progressed.
Cooking with Memory Care Providers.
Believe it or not, smell is one of the most powerful components of memory. When you cook meals that this senior may have enjoyed throughout much of their life, the fragrances and aromas can trigger a host of memories within them.
All of these can help stimulate the brain and potentially improve memory, even if only for a brief time. Any benefit for somebody with Alzheimer’s is a good one.
If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to an Assisted Living Facility for Memory Care Services in Marietta GA please contact the caring staff at Woodland Ridge today. 770-431-7055
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