Still "Dad"- Slow Dementia and Renew bonds with Dementia Friendly Activities

Slow dementia and renew bonds with dementia friendly activities.
In 2009, Lisa Genova, author and holder of a Ph. D in neuroscience from Harvard University, published a book entitled “Still Alice.” It is a compelling novel about a 50-year-old woman who has early onset Alzheimer's disease. While fictional, the story accurately depicts the heartbreaking realities faced by those whose world unravels due to this debilitating disease, both the one diagnosed and his or her family and friends.

In the story, Alice not only struggles to keep track of her things, her job responsibilities etc, but also struggles to hold on to herself. She finds it difficult to communicate and feel of value because she isn’t able to continue to be the brilliant doctor/professor she was before her disease. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s is emotionally draining to all who are involved in it. The following is a look at some dementia friendly activities, and other considerations that can help you to catch a glimpse of the person, rather than the disease, and slow the progression of the illness.


Focus on activities that are dementia friendly.

Providing your loved one with activities that can help them feel more in control and a bit of normalcy can be good for those with dementia. Games are a great option, however, it is important to be selective about the games, choosing ones that do not take long to complete, do not have complicated rules, and ones that have pieces that are easy to manage and maneuver. We recommend R.O.S. Therapy Systems. It is a wonderful tool for providing meaningful activities seniors can enjoy with dignity.

R.O.S. Therapy Systems is a console that has interchangeable activity boards that can slide in and out to allow play of different games and activities. The games and activities vary, but are simple, often games the individual is familiar with. This system is ideal because not only is it easy to use and clean, but it was designed specifically for those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or other physical and mental handicaps caused by dementia.


Protect dignity with absorbent products.

Bladder and bowel control are two things most individuals never want to experience. It is so personal, and so embarrassing. Those with dementia, however, often suffer from functional incontinence. Their mental and physical limitations, caused by the disease, result in accidents, leaks, and loss of control. Providing loved ones with absorbent products will help to reduce embarrassment, and allow them to function, particularly in public, without fear of incident. Using absorbent products will also provide the caregiver with less time spent cleaning up messes and leaks, and more time enjoying the person. It is hard to think of the person, rather than the disease, when all of your time and energy is devoted to the physical aspects of caring for the individual. The right incontinence products can help.

You can use the Incontinence Product Finder to help you to quickly and easily sort though nearly 500 choices.


Help support this ad free blog by answering several questions about caregiving here. It will take just two minutes.
Call us. We're here to help.

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.

0 comments:

Post a Comment