Chanukah is a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with a loved one, friend or client with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. Here are some ideas that will put a smile on everybody's face and make all involved feel good.
Carry on family traditions
One such tradition most family do, is candle lighting. Even those with advanced dementia may spontaneously recite portions of the blessings for the candles.
Also retell the story of why Chanukah is celebrated. Maybe you and persons with dementia can reenact the story. If you are not sure of the story, visit your local library or visit Judaism 101 on the web.
Perhaps third you can play dreidel. This activity is a lot of fun. If you are even slightly clever, you can help folks with dementia make an adapted dreidel that is easy to spin. You can even put extra gimmels on it so winning is easier. For directions visit Alzheimer's ideas on the internet.
This is a game the whole family can play. Make sure to involve children. Most folks with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, love children. This game is the perfect opportunity to bring these two groups together.
There is a good book out there that uses baby photographs to engage those with dementia if this is something your loved one or client really enjoys. The name of the book is Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones and Involved Professionals.
It is a good idea to explain Alzheimer's disease and other dementias to children in simple terms. There are several good books out there. that can help you do this. One such book is The Magic Tape Recorder
Another activity is preparing a favorite recipe. One food when made that is sure to please is potato pancakes Also doing this is good for sensory stimulation. You can explore some cookbooks or recipe cards together. If you do not have recipes, get a cookbook at the library. However, when you actually make the pancakes, you may want to use a mix because it is much easier. Alternately, you can make frozen latkes or just reheat some fresh from the local deli. Potato latkes are a favorite of many Jewish folks with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.
Making pancakes is a sensory experience even if you do not actually eat the ones you make. The smell of the pancakes is delightful. Some folks with dementia may want to feel the batter. Of course, eating the pancakes awakens the taste buds
In addition, all families have someplace special they visit on Chanukah. Maybe you went to Bubby Heifetz's house. Bubby may no longer be around, but you can recreate the atmosphere that was there. Invite one or two understanding friends to help you with this. The memories of visiting bubby will be there
Related to this is talking about past experiences on Chanukah or other holidays.
Discuss what happened at bubby's. Regale a story about a funny experience that took place at Bubby Heifetz's home.
Do not ask: Do you remember?, but rather, just tell the story and let your loved one with dementia add comments. Talk about family members both past and present. You might say: When Uncle Harry shook the table, he made us all laugh. Tell some jokes and laugh some more. Laughter is the best medicine.
Do not forget to sing some songs
You can sing the Chanukah blessings, some songs of the season or any favorite song for that matter. Music soothes the soul. Many folks with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, even if they are non-verbal, will spontaneously sing some or all of the words to a familiar song
No matter what you do the goal is to make your loved one with dementia, feel good. Do not be a stickler for the rules. Reward good tries. If you feel a need to go somewhere without your loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, hire someone or have a friend say with him.
With some planning, Chanukah 5768, can be a good one for you and your loved one, friend or client with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia
Author, Susan Berg has been a health care professional and educator for over 20 years. She is the, activity director, of many years, at Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Danvers. While there, she has gained much dementia care and activity experience and knowledge. She has had special training in dementia care and dementia activities through the Alzheimer's Association and other educational forums. Berg is the author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals, a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals. You may visit her website at http://www.alzheimersideas.com or her blog at http://dementiaviews.blogspot.com
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