The benefits of children for Alzheimer’s patients are often overlooked by families caring for a loved one with the illness. Some families tend to shelter their children from an elderly grandfather or grandmother. They feel that children shouldn’t be forced to see the decline of an elderly person.
Unfortunately, parents who feel this way are missing out on a golden opportunity to help their kids cope with understanding Alzheimer’s disease, and they are denying the Alzheimer sufferers another outlet to help them keep their minds active and to enjoy their lives.
The Benefits of Children for Alzheimer’s Patients – How They Can Help Each Other
The benefits of children for Alzheimer’s patients (and vice-versa) are immense. Both can have fun participating in various activities together. Here are just a few examples:
* Read a Good Book – It’s possible for Alzheimer’s patients to read stories aloud to children. How many remember our grandmother or grandfather reading famous children’s tales? For those who were fortunate to have grandparents read stories them, they are usually memories that they carry with them for life.
In addition, children can also keep an Alzheimer’s patient mentally sharp by reading something that interests them, too. It gives them a sense of worth when a younger family member spends extra time with them.
* Singing – Singing songs together is another way for children to help bond with a senior suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a terrific way to pass the time, and singing always makes people feel happy. We’ve had Girl Scouts come in and sing Christmas Carols with our residents as well as a community choir and the residents smile, dance and move to the music.
* Listening to Music – An alternative to singing would be to listen to some pleasant music together. Children can ask what types of music they prefer and then bring a portable device to play it, if one is not available.
* Arts and Crafts – Arts and crafts help to challenge the mind of Alzheimer’s patients and can also serve as a favorite form of pastime or hobby for others. It’s best to find something they might already be interested in. At Applewood we have had many occasions where we have had children from the community come in and help our residents with fun arts and crafts projects which has been wonderful for both the children and the residents.
* Browse Photo Albums – Nothing puts smiles on Alzheimer’s patients quite like viewing photos from the past. They can help stir up a wide range of emotions, but most importantly, it keeps their brains active and usually reminds them of pleasant times. It’s rewarding when they can still recall some names of people from photos that were taken a half a century ago.
What Parents Should Know
Although, there are many benefits of children for Alzheimer’s patients, there are still some pertinent points that parents should know. Here are a few:
* Explain Things Well – Let your child know from the beginning that the person who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease has an illness. Give them as much information as you know about Alzheimer’s, and encourage them to read up as much as they can about the disease on the Internet or at school.
* Don’t Use Your Child as a Babysitter – Although children are excellent with elderly patients who are suffering with Alzheimer’s, don’t use them as a replacement for someone who should monitor them at all times. In addition, make sure you are there sometimes with them. This can put the Alzheimer’s patient at ease, as well as your child.
* Don’t Allow Them to Neglect Other Activities – Don’t let your child spend so much time with a senior with Alzheimer’s disease that it interferes with their own personal lives. Children still need to spend time playing with other kids, studying, or just enjoying some free time at home.
The Benefits of Children for Alzheimer’s Patients – Conclusion
Parents might also want to check with their child’s counselor at school, or even with a social worker or psychologist when acquainting them with an Alzheimer’s patient for the first time. People suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be trying at times. They can be angry, they might yell, or they might become depressed and not speak much at all to your child.
In addition, they might have had such strong affections for your senior loved one before their illness that seeing them in decline can be traumatizing.
Applewood Our House understands about the benefits of children for Alzheimer’s patients and strongly encourages kids to spend more time with senior loved, who are suffering this kind of illness. We often have our own children and our caretakers children in the home and the residents just love it. Folks in Golden and Lakewood, Colorado who are in need of assisted living care should contact us to find out some of the best options for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
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