As most live-in carers know, clients with Dementia can become bored and restless. Helping to keep your clients mind and body occupied will keep them a little more engaged in their surroundings and perhaps a little less frustrated at not being in control of their situation.
Every client is different and what suits one person may not suit another, so it is important that we find things that are suitable for each person.
One of the easiest ways to find out what your client used to like doing is to ask the family. They may have pictures of hobbies and activities that no longer take place. Talk to your client and let them suggest things they used to enjoy.
Even people with advanced dementia may remember songs from when they were young. While they may not know the exact words anymore, they will certainly enjoy listening to the music and humming along.
Many people enjoy gardening, and your client may have been an avid gardener. Trips to the garden centre to look at plants or have coffee will give them lots of pleasure, as well as exercise.
If your client agrees, you may be able to buy a few pots of plants for them to take care of. Even a tiny garden can be an activity they enjoy.
If your client enjoys reading, they may appreciate a daily newspaper. Some people enjoy crossword puzzles and most daily newspapers include puzzles. Most supermarkets sell books of puzzles which you can do together, or your client can do at their leisure.
If your client can no longer read, they may prefer to listen to a story. There are many options available online with companies providing audio books at low cost or even free.
Baking simple cakes are always an effective way to keep a client active. If cooking and baking used to be something they enjoyed, then having your client help with simple tasks will keep them active and prevent boredom.
Take care when using knives and if possible, use them yourself while your client uses safer tools.
For clients who have advanced dementia and who can no longer participate in other activities, fiddle blankets are a great way to keep them occupied. These are readily available online or they can easily be sewn up using items from an everyday sewing box, which many clients will have.
Whatever activity you plan for your client, it is a good idea for it to be something they can take up, put down, and come back to later. Some cognitive issues will mean that a client has a short attention span and may not be able to concentrate for lengthy periods. Being able to pick up where they left off will mean less frustration for them.
The important thing with activities is that they are suitable for your client, not too difficult and also not too easy. If your client enjoys the activity, it will help make them feel like they are doing something of value, rather than simply being taken care of.
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