The Difficulty of Entertaining Someone with Alzheimer's

Use the R.O.S. Therapy System to entertain someone with Alzheimer's

Entertaining someone with Alzheimer’s can be a difficult task. Fast moving television is often confusing and overwhelming. Limited mobility, loss of motor skills, and other mental and physical handicaps associated with Alzheimer’s take many traditional forms of entertainment off the table.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It is characterized by memory loss and other intellectual abilities declining enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease makes up 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It is a progressive disease, and the symptoms worsen over a number of years. It usually starts with mild memory loss, and progresses to severe memory loss, and an inability to respond to environment. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the US and there is no cure. Caregivers can only treat symptoms, and make life as comfortable and easy as possible for those suffering this frustrating and debilitating disease.

Game playing can be a great way for those with Alzheimer’s to enjoy time with caregivers, relatives, and friends. It can help to alleviate problems of depression, boredom, and isolation, which are commonly associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. In addition, game playing can offer moments of contact and enjoyment despite difficulty with communication.

Of course, playing games is easier said then done. There are many challenges that need to be overcome in order to make game playing possible and enjoyable. While it is good to challenge someone with Alzheimer’s, game playing can often simply be frustrating. Consider the following:

Challenges to overcome:

• Alzheimer’s makes it difficult to perform tasks that were once simple. It can be frustrating to not be able to place a piece, or remember a move in a game. 

• Language problems are often associated with Alzheimer’s. This means finding names for familiar objects may be difficult. Games where a lot of talking or describing is required are often beyond the scope of ability. 

• Many with Alzheimer’s experience a flat mood, losing interest in things previously enjoyed. The frustrations of playing games can outweigh the enjoyment, leading to loss of interest. 

• Loss of social skills make engaging in games with groups difficult. 

• More difficulty with reading and writing can make some games impossible to enjoy. 

The R.O.S. Therapy System may be the solution. It offers a game and activity board system that can be individualized, and adjusted. The tray is the heart of the system. Similar to the game console of a gaming system, the R.O.S. Tray is designed to allow all of the R.O.S. Activity Boards to slide in when a user is ready to play. There are no batteries required. It is easy to clean, has large pegs that are not difficult to maneuver. There are several insert options, allowing caregivers to select games that the individual is familiar with. It allows for single player, or multiple player enjoyment.

Some of the great benefits of the R.O.S. Therapy System including helping with:

• Socialization 
• Reality Testing 
• Time, Place and Person Orientation 
• Stimulated Interest in the Environment 
• Cues for Reminiscence 
• Tactile, Auditory and Visual Stimulation 
• Increased avenues toward motivation 
• Individualization of client, patient, and resident use 
• Self-worth, Pride and Esteem 
• Decision Making Opportunities 
• Creative Expression 
• Have Fun 

The R.O.S. Therapy System is a great resources for caregivers who want to entertain and connect with their Alzheimer’s patients and loved ones. It gives them a sense of control, with simple games that are fun to play. Learn more about the R.O.S. Therapy System.

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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