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How to Encourage Someone with Dementia to Be Active

senior woman throwing a softball with glove

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, 50% to 70% of people with dementia experience apathy. Unfortunately, this lack of motivation to do once meaningful activities can lead to lower quality of life and increased stress on caregivers. If your loved one seems withdrawn and disengaged, there are strategies that can help you learn how to motivate someone with dementia to be more active.

The Benefits of Activity

Someone with dementia may initially withdraw from activities because they know their abilities are declining. Unfortunately, apathy can feed on itself—the less active your loved one is, the more their skills and confidence can decline, further decreasing their motivation to engage in activities. If you can break that cycle, you’ll find that being actively engaged has tremendous benefits for people with dementia, including:

  • Cognitive stimulation. Research suggests that mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzles, or artistic pursuits, can support cognitive function in people with dementia.
  • Socialization. Spending just one hour a week engaged in activities that involve social interaction can improve your loved one’s quality of life and reduce agitation.
  • Improved self-esteem. Meaningful activities offer a sense of purpose and a feeling of being productive, which can boost satisfaction and confidence.
  • Predictability. A consistent schedule of activities offers the familiar structure many people with dementia need to feel secure.
  • Diversion. Suggesting a favorite activity can be an effective way to redirect your loved one and manage challenging behaviors.

Motivational Techniques

Before trying these techniques, it’s important to distinguish between apathy and depression. Both can be symptoms of dementia, but while apathy is something you may be able to help with, depression often requires medical treatment. Consider consulting a doctor about your loved one’s lack of interest. If the cause is apathy, these suggestions can help you learn how to encourage someone with dementia to participate in daily activities:

  • Choose suitable activities. As dementia affects cognitive function, it can impact your loved one’s ability to perform once simple tasks. So even if they’re physically capable of making a cup of tea for themselves, they may have forgotten the proper steps. When you suggest activities, observe your loved one to see if you need to provide step-by-step instructions, or tailor the activity to their ability level.
  • Avoid over explaining. Rather than overwhelming your loved one with information about why they’d benefit from increased activity, simply invite them to participate. Bring out a jigsaw puzzle, ask them to help you prepare a salad, or suggest a walk through the garden.
  • Personalize the activities you propose. Let your loved one’s former hobbies, favorite places and professional work guide your activity selection. A bookworm, for example, may still enjoy sitting down with a bestseller even if they no longer understand the content.
  • Pace yourself. Take an unhurried approach to introducing new activities. If your loved one isn’t receptive, simply switch to an activity you know they’ll enjoy. Give them plenty of time to engage for as long as they want. If an activity seems overwhelming, break it down into small steps.
  • Focus on the process. As you introduce activities, keep your goal in mind: to engage your loved one’s interest, rather than to complete a project. Getting them to do a puzzle is more important than whether they finish the puzzle.

Activities for People with Dementia

This list of dementia-friendly activities can give you a good starting point as you try to boost your loved one’s engagement with daily life:

  • Go for a walk together.
  • Assign household chores, such as folding laundry.
  • Take a swim.
  • Play with clay.
  • String beads to make necklaces or bracelets.
  • Tend a garden.
  • Assemble a salad or sandwich.
  • Bike together using a tandem bike.
  • Arrange flowers.
  • Set the table before a meal.
  • Play bingo or a card game.
  • Dance to a favorite song.
  • Listen to music.
  • Look at family photo albums.
  • Make a collage.

Find Tools for Navigating Dementia Care at Artis Senior Living

 
At Artis Senior Living, we understand a lot of questions can arise when you’re caring for a loved one with dementia. That’s why we offer support as you navigate this journey, hosting educational events, and providing insight into care options as you strive to make the best decision for your loved one. Contact us to learn more about how we partner with families on the dementia journey, or to learn about our Assisted Living and Memory Care communities.

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