Homecare Newton MA
Family game night is a fantastic way for you as a family caregiver to spend more time with the different generations of the family in a way that is enjoyable, beneficial, and memorable for everyone. If your elderly parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, however, these nights can present challenges. These challenges, however, do not have to mean that you are not able to have these fun and meaningful experiences with your entire family. In fact, enjoying family game nights together can be a highly effective way to help a senior with Alzheimer’s disease keep their mind as sharp, responsive, and functional as possible as they progress through their disease.
Try some of these ways to make family game night more accessible for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease:
• Team up. Even if the games that you choose to play are not traditionally “team” games, modify the rules slightly for your family and allow members of the different generations to play together. This allows the team members to help each other while also having valuable quality time that can make their relationship stronger.
• Choose “junior” versions. For seniors who are already coping with significant cognitive decline due to their disease, the rules and gameplay of traditional board games can be too complex. They may not be able to remember the rules or be able to figure out strategy for their individual turns. This can be frustrating and upsetting for everyone involved. Consider choosing “junior” versions of the games that your family has always enjoyed. These are extremely similar to the regular versions but are simplified and streamlined. While this is intended for children, it is also beneficial for adults who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Walk them through it. Do not hesitate to explain the rules or the gameplay of the game as you are playing. Do not sound nagging or condescend them, but if they are struggling or you think that they might benefit from a reminder, walk them through their turn to make them feel more confident.
• Keep them comfortable. Do not get so focused on the idea of family game night that you forget that your parent has needs that must be fulfilled in order to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy. Unmet needs are a leading cause of negative behaviors for seniors with dementia and can cause serious problems for everyone in the family. Ensure that their needs are met, including that they are not hungry or thirsty, not tired, physically comfortable, and not anxious.
Starting senior homecare for your elderly loved one is a fantastic way to encourage them to remain active, engaged, and connected with their family. Through a personalized approach to care, assistance, support, and encouragement, this senior homecare services provider can help your parent to participate in activities with their aging parent while also making sure that their needs are met safely, efficiently, and effectively. This can give you confidence that your parent is getting what they need to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable so that you can focus on your children, your spouse, and yourself. This relieves stress and enables everyone to enjoy their time together to its fullest.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Newton MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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