Fall is quickly approaching. There’s a chill in the air, and the leaves are starting to turn lovely shades of orange, red, and yellow to give them their marvelous splendor.
Activities for seniors with dementia might seem hard to find. Yet, the reality is there are ways to ensure that each activity is worth the time for seniors and their family members.
When you live with someone who has Alzheimer’s or another dementia, fall can be an even more challenging time of year. The days get shorter, the clocks turn back, and the holidays approach. Autumn can make people with dementia feel confused and anxious.
Magical Fall Activities for Seniors with Dementia
As we age, the weather cooling down and changing seasons become increasingly demanding on our bodies. It is essential at this time to continue moving our bodies and exercising our minds.
The following fall activities can serve as inspiration to spend time with our aging loved ones while keeping in mind the constraints that may affect our seniors.
Go to a Farmers’ Market
Activities in the morning allow our seniors to be well-rested and energetic. Going to a farmers’ market is perfect for seniors who have little social interaction. Attending a local farmers’ market is even better— seniors can connect with their community and create relationships with the sellers and other patrons.
This is a wonderful time to plan meals and other activities throughout the week as well. Sometimes it can be challenging to get our elders to eat regularly, but seniors can pick the fresh fruits and vegetables they want to eat, which encourages a healthy diet.
Remember to have your loved one’s dress for the weather; Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunblock are essential to protect our seniors. A light jacket or cane should also be considered, as farmers’ markets can get busy or cold.
Make Some Seasonal Snacks
Another benefit of regularly going to farmers’ markets is accessing fresh, seasonal crops. An easy and robust autumn snack seniors can make with their young relatives is pumpkin seeds.
Not only can the pumpkin be carved into fun, festive decorations, but the seeds themselves are rich in vitamins and minerals, great for seniors or children alike. Pumpkin seeds contain manganese and Vitamin K, which promote healing in wounds, and zinc, strengthening the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses.
If your loved one struggles with memory, supervise the use of ovens or other possible dangers.
Another fall treat your senior relatives might enjoy is caramel “apple” grapes. Cover grapes with caramel and crushed peanuts for that nostalgic autumn treat instead of using large, difficult-to-eat caramel apples.
Do a Jigsaw Puzzle
Puzzles are a great activity to do with seniors to promote coordination, alleviate boredom, and provide a sense of accomplishment once finished.
Some seniors may struggle with high-count or small puzzle pieces, so there are jigsaw puzzles specifically designed for seniors with larger pieces.
Puzzles have countless benefits for seniors, including improved concentration and cognition, enhanced memory, and a calmer disposition.
Having activities that encourage dedicated focus activates both our left and right brain hemispheres. Not only does this encourage communication and neural connections to be made, but it gives a meditative, therapeutic effect on our moods.
Seniors with Dementia Need Special Care During Autumn Activities
It is vital to keep our seniors entertained mentally and physically. Keep in mind our elders tend to get colder as the fat under their skin thins and their blood vessels lose elasticity. When enjoying the autumn leaves, make sure your loved ones are appropriately dressed, hydrated, and protected from the sun.
It is also important not to push our loved ones to do something they could do before but can no longer physically do. If, for example, the puzzle pieces are too small, frustrating your loved one, change the activity to something more enjoyable.
Activities that encourage socialization, a healthy diet, and an active mind are vital in caring for our elders, especially as the nights become colder and longer.
Fall Activities for Seniors with Dementia
Fall is a refreshing time for seniors with dementia because of the cooler weather. They can still enjoy outdoor activities as long as they’re done correctly.
We hope you enjoyed our post about fall activities for senior loved ones with dementia! We know that autumn is a refreshing time for seniors with dementia because of the cooler weather. Whether you live in a place where you can enjoy a day hike, a trip to the pumpkin patch, or a bonfire, we hope you can find a way to enjoy the season with a loved one!
What are you waiting for? Explore!
If you have any questions or concerns about senior care, please visit Applewood Our House. Or, you can enjoy a virtual tour of our lovely homes.
