Alzheimer's is viewed as a very cruel disease that robs people of their humanity. It is a terrible disease and it is unfortunate that anyone has to deal with such an illness. The disorder can cause your loved ones to suffer a diminished quality of life. Luckily, by being familiar with the various stages of the disease and what activities are best suited for what stage, it is possible to help ensure your loved one can enjoy every moment of the rest of their life even with the disease.
Activities for the Early Stages
Usually, during the early stages of the unfortunate disease, your loved one can partake in similar activities that they did prior to developing Alzheimer's. Some activities may need to be slightly adjusted, depending on the onset of symptoms. For example, if you would normally play chess with your loved one, checkers may be a better option. You could even do a crossword puzzle together to help stimulate the mind. The last thing you want is to make them feel like they can't remember or can't do something that they used to do.
Activities for the Middle Stages
As the disease progresses, your loved one will experience diminishing social and mental skills. In many cases, they will act as a small child. A few passive activities that you could do include watching movies and looking at old photographs. However, there are plenty of active activities that you can do with your loved one, such as tossing a ball back and forth, having them help you wash the car (if they are physically able) or possibly painting a picture. The key at this point is to get them to play with you rather than on their own.
Activities for the Late Stages
In the final stage of the disease, Alzheimer's patients need familiar voices and pleasant sounds. They want to be comfortable and happy. They may not know exactly who you are or even understand what you're saying, but your presence and your voice will be particularly soothing for them. This is also a good time to bring up old memories, tell stories of good times and look at photographs together. If there are young children or pets in the family, they can bring a lot of joy to your loved one.
If you have a loved one that you believe has Alzheimer's, you need to schedule them a doctor's appointment immediately to find out for sure. If your loved one has already been diagnosed, it's time to learn about proper Alzheimer's care. If you are unable to care for your loved one on your own, there are options available, including home health care and assisted living facilities such as Queen Anne Manor Senior Living.
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