Just because your elderly loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, she shouldn’t have to stop being active and enjoying some of her favorite passions. Staying connected to doing things she has always loved is a great way for her to stay cognitively sharp and slow the progression of the disease.
Why Staying Active is Important for Your Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Being Active Gives Purpose
Even if it’s as simple as setting the table or matching socks after washing a load of laundry, doing daily household activities can help your loved one feel like she still has an important role to play around the home. The sense of self-worth from these activities can help her balance emotions when she’s feeling frustrated.
2. Being Active Promotes Physical Fitness
Your loved one still needs to stay physically fit in order for her body to have the strength and wellness to battle any illnesses that may come her way. Regular walks, dance sessions, and other physical activities will increase her quality of life.
3. Being Active Provides Release
Many aspects of having Alzheimer’s disease are frustrating to those who have it. Your loved one may be depressed, angry, or agitated as she tries to negotiate her disease and not understand how to express those emotions. Participating in daily activities that allow her to release some of those emotions whether through art or exercise, can help her manage the many emotions she is feeling.
How to Choose the Right Activities
Most likely, no one knows your loved one better than you. When looking at what activities to make a regular part of her daily life, consider what she has always enjoyed. By sticking with what she’s always loved, she’s more likely to want to participate.
- If your loved one likes caring for the home around her, keep her involved in daily care of the home by helping with chores around the home. Think about activities centered around laundry, cooking, cleaning, and gardening.
- If your loved one is attached to her pet, let her continue in some of the pet care. Taking her and her pet for a daily walk is a great way for everyone to be active.
- If music was a key part of your loved one’s life, then make sure it still is. Enjoy music daily and even consider dancing along for a bit of release.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Get Some Help from an Alzheimer’s Care Provider
As the caregiver for an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, there is a lot you need to care for and help her with each and every day. From the moment she wakes up until she goes to sleep at night, you might find yourself continually trying to keep up.
One great way an Alzheimer’s care provider can help a caregiver is by having regular visits in which the Alzheimer’s care provider engages in activities with your elderly loved one. You might have your Alzheimer’s care provider play games with your loved one, take her outside for some fresh air, or even put on some music for dancing around the room. These activity breaks with an Alzheimer’s care provider can make your daily responsibilities with your loved one go more smoothly and give you both the refreshment you need to do everything else in your day.