Quality Time with a Loved One with Alzheimer's

Spending time with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease may raise questions about the best way to enjoy your time together. Perhaps Alzheimer's disease has made it more challenging for your loved one to participate in the activities you used to do together, or maybe you are simply confused about the most appropriate activities to suggest. Involvement in activities that promote a sense of accomplishment, well-being and connection with other people can affect numerous benefits to people with Alzheimer's disease, and can even alleviate certain symptoms such as anger, frustration and depression.

What kind of activities would promote the well-being of your loved one and nurture your connection to one another? The best activities are those which are simply enjoyable and contribute to your loved one's sense of self and accomplishment. Generally speaking, there is no need to get elaborate. Considering your loved one's current and former interests is a good starting point to gain insight into the activities that would be most rewarding for the two of you to enjoy together. For one individual, taking a walk may constitute a perfect afternoon, while another person may prefer an artistic outlet such as painting or making crafts.

In spending time with your loved one, it is important to remain focused on the activities in which he or she can still participate, without bringing attention to those that may have become more difficult. The stages of Alzheimer's disease are roughly divided into early, moderate and severe, with progression through the stages occurring over time. Particularly if your loved one is in the moderate to severe stages of the disease, he or she may not be able to participate in the same activities as before. In this case, you may explore variations on your loved one's former hobbies and interests that have become too challenging. For example, if your loved one used to immerse him or herself in a day of cooking a wonderful meal, such elaborate endeavors may no longer be feasible. But you may promote the same sense of accomplishment and self worth by cutting and baking cookies from premade dough, for instance. Encouragement and praise throughout your time together can go a long way in contributing to the well being of your loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

The most fulfilling activities to enjoy with a loved one with Alzheimer's are dependent largely on the individual and his or her stage of the disease. Board games, gardening, playing with pets, participating in arts and crafts or taking a nature stroll are some rewarding activities you may consider. Though the number and complexity of activities in which your loved one is able to participate may decline over time, his or her propensity to take pleasure in fulfilling activities will remain. Simply getting active both physically and mentally, even in small doses, nurtures fundamental needs and can be rewarding for both you and your loved one with Alzheimer's.

About the Author: John Trevey is the C.E.O. of Uncommon Care, a leading provider of Austin Alzheimer's care. He is the manager of both The Barton House and the Breckinridge. For more information, please visit http://www.uncommoncare.com