Submitted on Wednesday June 13th, 2012
It is usually obvious what a person with dementia is no longer able to do. But finding things your loved one CAN do may feel like a challenge, especially if memory loss is severe. Here are some tips.
Activities are important. They answer core human needs for
- identity and personal expression;
- life purpose and meaning;
- connection with others.
Boredom or lack of engagement may lead your relative to unsafe activities, such as wandering. Or to activities that frustrate you, such as "reorganizing" the dresser or tearing bits of paper. Or to a change in mood that may bring on agitation or depression.