Bear in mind that although aging adults may have been active when they were younger, these same activities may become frustrating or simply too difficult for them to handle at this stage of life.
The Importance of Keeping Active
For example, your loved one may have enjoyed tending the lawn or gardening Many people of all ages love gardening because it gives them a sense of accomplishment and brings them closer to nature. Your loved one may still be able to garden but on a much smaller scale in an assisted living community. Many assisted living communities are designed with terraces that easily accommodate outdoor furniture, as well as available space for a garden area.
In fact, assisted living communities like Vista Springs are specifically designed to provide indoor and outdoor activities. Community members enjoy the benefits of beautifully landscaped areas that are ideal for casual gatherings, reading the newspaper, or relaxation.
These communities are carefully designed to convey a warm and welcoming new home environment for aging adults. In an assisted living community, it's easier for aging adults to make friends in their new home by interacting with community members during planned activities for aging adults such as trips to botanical gardens, concerts, or arts and crafts events. Additionally, these communities also schedule a variety of unique onsite gatherings and events.
Other activities in a new home community include wellness classes to encourage better health and activity. Even events like chair exercise programs that have a focus on stretching the body can help to gently encourage circulation and better posture. These exercise sessions may also include simple dance steps, singing groups, and music.
Addressing Each Unique Interest
Many assisted living communities encourage community members to explore things like cultural activities and arts and crafts that are mentally stimulating, playful and fun.
For example, some activities may encourage your loved one to design something unique for their own apartment, or a loved one. You might even make some creative concept suggestions. This type of creative activity not only provides many opportunities for social interaction, positive interactions with loved ones, but it will give your loved one a sense of achievement and pride.
Keep in mind that certain types of activities may work better at different times of the day. If your loved one is sensitive to too much light, be sure to make adjustments so that they are comfortable. Additionally, your loved one may experience a decline in interest as a memory disease progresses, and/or if they have problems getting enough sleep to truly enjoy these activities.
The most important thing is helping to keep them involved in some form of activity within their medical or physical restrictions, so they remain active and busy in a positive manner.
It's extremely important to realize that even after a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia, there are many ways you can continue to strengthen bonds with your loved one, support their interests, and help them form connections.