Christmas is a special holiday that everyone wants to celebrate. Nobody wants to miss out on the fun, including seniors who have Alzheimer's disease.
Wrapping gifts is a soothing activity for seniors with Alzheimer’s. It could trigger their childhood memories or can make them remember the times they wrapped gifts for their children and grandchildren. It can also boost their overall mood and wellbeing.
Going for a walk in a botanical garden is an excellent way to keep your loved ones physically active. If they can involve themselves in some social activity while they are in the garden, it will also increase their cognitive functioning and mental alertness.
Singing reduces stress and helps you connect and bond with others. Seniors with Alzheimer’s often become confused, agitated, and overwhelmed when they are unable to communicate with their caregivers. Listening and singing along gentle Christmas tunes will calm them and will help them refocus.
If your elderly loved one enjoyed to cook, he or she could still do it with a little bit of help from you. Help them with some of their favorite Christmas recipes, such as cookies and pies. Holding on to their past habits will give a positive boost to their dignity and self-worth.
Watching old family Christmas videos is a fun way to stimulate your loved one’s mind. It will make the seniors with Alzheimer’s talk to you about other family members in the videos whom they still recognize.
Artistic holiday activities such as making Christmas wreaths will help keep your loved ones busy. It will also give them a sense of purpose and a feeling of accomplishment. Apart from that, making craft items can also improve their concentration, cognitive abilities, and hand-eye coordination.
When friends and family are around older people having Alzheimer's, it improves their communication skills and reduces anxiety, depression, and feelings of boredom. A holiday light festival is an excellent place you can take your loved one as these places will have a variety of fun activities for them.
Another great way to make your loved one’s Christmas fun is by letting them host a Christmas dinner. You can decorate your home with Christmas trees, garlands, centerpieces, etc., and invite all of your family over for dinner. Make sure you include them in the preparation of the holiday meals.
Even though these Christmas-themed activities are fun and promote the happiness of seniors, many seniors may have difficulties in performing these tasks. However, it is possible to improve their quality of life with the help of our in-home care services. To hire a professionally trained caregiver specialized in Alzheimer’s care, call Newport Home Care at (949) 514-8303 today!
