Staying active is essential for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors with dementia. As a family member, you probably wonder how to comfort someone with Alzheimer’s.
Engaging in regular physical activity can help maintain cognitive function and improve:
- Sleep patterns
- Quality of life
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Rapid stages of cognitive decline
The Courtyards at Mountain View is one of the memory care communities in Denver, providing people with dementia a deeper purpose. One critical quality of our Connections program is Move: physical exercise to promote brain plasticity.
Continue reading if you are looking for memory care facilities in Denver. If you are curious about how to keep a person with dementia active, let’s discuss:
- The types of activities that are recommended for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia
- How often can they participate
- The level of supervision required
- The activities of the Connection memory care program
How often can seniors with dementia participate in physical activities?
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia need to engage in physical activity regularly. Everyone is recommended to complete 150 minutes of exercise every week.
People with memory loss should participate in some form of exercise at least three to four times a week. However, the frequency may vary depending on the individual’s physical abilities and cognitive impairment stage.
Achieving the recommended activity level of 150 minutes a week may seem like a lot, especially for seniors with memory loss. It’s important to remember that this goal is attainable and beneficial for every adult, regardless of their cognitive abilities.
The key is to break down this target into smaller, manageable chunks throughout the week. Engage in short bursts of physical activity. Ten-minute walks or gentle exercises can add up and provide significant benefits.
Incorporate these smaller sessions into the daily routine. Seniors with memory loss can steadily work towards the recommended 150 minutes of weekly activity. It contributes to overall health and cognitive function.
How Much Supervision is Needed?
The level of supervision required for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia during physical activities depends on:
- Their stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Their overall health
Always consult a doctor before changing or beginning a loved one’s activity program.
In the early stages, seniors may be able to exercise independently or with minimal supervision. As the disease progresses, more management and assistance may be necessary to prevent accidents.
Family caretakers should promote independence during physical activities without maxing out their energy.
Incorporating activity sessions into your caregiving routine can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your loved one. It provides an opportunity to connect and create memories. Exercise also helps break up the monotonous parts of the day.
Tailor physical activities to suit your loved one’s interests and abilities to make each session enjoyable and engaging.
A significant part of caregiving involves supervision to prevent wandering. Consider using that time to engage loved ones in a supervised walk or visit a place they remember fondly. This approach allows them to reap the benefits of physical activity while enjoying a change of scenery and a chance to reminisce.
You are crucial in helping your loved one maintain an active lifestyle as a family caretaker. Appropriate supervision and support during physical activities contribute to well-being and a positive caregiving experience.
Exercises Good for Cognitive Impairment
Several traditional exercises can be beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Aerobic exercises: Walking, swimming, and dancing are excellent low-impact aerobic activities that can help improve cardiovascular health and promote brain function.
Strength training: Resistance exercises using light weights or bands can help maintain muscle mass and improve balance.
Flexibility exercises: Stretching and gentle yoga can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of falls.
Balance exercises: Activities such as tai chi and standing on one leg can help improve balance and coordination.
Consider additional activities, not traditional “exercise,” to keep seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia engaged and active. These alternatives can provide unique benefits while catering to the individual’s interests and preferences.
Gardening is an excellent example of a non-traditional exercise that offers tactile sensory stimulation. Digging, planting, and nurturing plants can be calming and therapeutic for seniors with cognitive impairment.
The various motions involved in gardening (bending, lifting, and reaching) can help improve strength and balance. Additionally, spending time outdoors in nature can positively impact mood and overall well-being.
Other non-traditional activities to consider include:
Art therapy: Engaging in creative pursuits like painting, drawing, or sculpting can improve fine motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Music therapy: Listening to music or playing an instrument can stimulate memory recall and promote relaxation. Singing or dancing to familiar tunes can also provide a fun, low-impact workout.
Pet therapy: Interacting with animals, such as walking a dog or grooming a cat, can offer emotional support and companionship while encouraging physical activity.
Cooking or baking: Preparing simple recipes together can be a satisfying and interactive experience incorporating movement and stimulating the senses. You can use ingredients from the garden.
Create a diverse and engaging exercise routine by exploring various non-traditional activities. Tailor them to the unique needs and interests of your loved one.
Activities for Different Stages of Alzheimer’s
Early-stage Alzheimer’s
During the early stages of Alzheimer’s, seniors can often continue participating in activities like walking, gardening, or dancing. Encouraging them to stay active and engaged in their favorite hobbies is essential. Avoiding pastimes and social activities is a common warning sign of dementia.
Middle-stage Alzheimer’s
As Alzheimer’s progresses, seniors may require more assistance and supervision during physical activities. Adapted exercises, such as chair yoga or seated strength training, can help maintain their physical abilities while ensuring their well-being.
Late-stage Alzheimer’s
In the late stages of Alzheimer’s, physical activities should focus on maintaining comfort and quality of life. Gentle range-of-motion exercises and passive stretching can help prevent stiffness and improve circulation.
The Connections Memory Care Program in Denver, CO
Developed by Dr. Sandra Petersen, our Connections memory care program focuses on three key elements: Connecting, Moving, and Learning. Incorporating these components into daily routines encourages healthy brain activity and promotes neuroplasticity.
At The Courtyards of Mountain View, residents at all stages of dementia participate in various exercises and activities. Our team customizes programs for individual needs.
Team members provide personalized care, socialization, and purposeful activities to ensure each resident feels comfortable and supported.
Our monthly cost of memory care in Denver starts at $4,995.
Explore the Activities of Memory Care in Denver, Colorado
Contact us today to learn more about our Connections memory care program. Discover how we can help your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia in our full–service senior living community.
Our memory care in Denver, CO is here to provide comfort and support at every stage of the journey.