5 Things You Can Do to Brighten the Day of Someone With Severe Dementia
The emotional toll it takes to care for a loved one with dementia is heartbreaking, particularly when they don’t remember you. When you get to a point that you feel like interactions are pointless, here are some simple activities that can bring positive emotions to your loved one. Such activities can lighten the mood for all, as well as put your love done in better spirits that can carry throughout the day and provide a better demeanor overall. To learn more about how we help people suffering with dementia in the St. Louis Park MN area, visit us at http://angelcaremn.com.
5 Things You Can Do to Brighten the Day of Someone With Severe Dementia
Ever think, “Why do I bother?” If you find yourself wondering if your interactions with your loved one make any difference — since so little seems to be remembered — take comfort and inspiration from this 2010 University of Iowa study.
It that showed that in people with memory loss, warm feelings associated with a positive interaction — a joke, a visit — stick around long after the experience itself is forgotten. Even when the event is immediately forgotten, a better mood seems to persist for a day or longer. Sad emotions (as from a bad experience) last longest.
Some easy day-brighteners:
- Go outside. Nature is restorative for people of any health status, research shows. You can wheel someone in a wheelchair to a back garden or the front porch. Or just open a window.
- Bring nature indoors. On a sunny day, position your loved one in the warm rays (taking care sun doesn’t hit the eyes, of course). Bring fresh flowers into the house. Or set up (or restock) a bird feeder where it can easily be watched.
- Massage the skin. Wash your loved one’s feet or hands in a sponge bath, and apply lotion with a pleasing scent.
- Play favorite music more loudly than usual. Sometimes listening to nothing but a stirring opera or lively jazz, really surrendering to the music, can stir the soul.
- Invite a pet over. Many people with severe dementia enjoy petting a dog or cat, or just watching it. Be sure it’s a calm animal.
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