It’s no secret that our memory begins to decline as we age. For seniors, this can be a particularly difficult reality to face, as so much of their lives depend on their memories. This is why it’s crucial for senior living communities to offer sensory activities for dementia patients. It helps residents with dementia and other memory issues live as comfortably and happily as possible.
At Calder Woods, our memory care program is dedicated to providing specialized sensory stimulation activities to seniors with dementia and other memory issues. The program focuses on creating a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for senior health and wellness. Through sensory activities and personalized care plans, Calder Woods helps residents enjoy the best quality of life possible while managing their dementia. For more information, reach out to our team of experts today at 409.407.7636.
What Are Sensory Stimulation Activities?
Sensory activities, also known as sensory stimulation or sensory integration, are activities that involve stimulating one or more of the five senses. While people of all ages can enjoy sensory activities, they are especially beneficial for seniors who may experience sensory changes related to aging, such as loss of vision and hearing, or other conditions, such as dementia.
Sensory stimulation activities can benefit seniors, especially those with dementia. Through sensory experiences, seniors can engage their senses and stimulate new connections in the brain, improving cognitive function. Research has also shown that sensory activities can reduce agitation and improve overall well-being in seniors with dementia.
Not only that, but these activities also help to encourage neuroplasticity in the brain, or the brain’s ability to heal and form new connections. While these activities don’t cure dementia, they help to improve their quality of life and enable seniors to stay connected with the world around them.
Sensory Activities for Dementia Patients
Calming sensory activities for seniors can be a great way to help older adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of cognitive decline. As we age, our sensory systems don’t always function as well as they once did, leading to decreased sensory stimulation. By providing sensory activities that are enabling, calming, and enjoyable, caregivers can create meaningful experiences for seniors with dementia.
Aromatherapy
One example of a sensory activity that can provide calming sensory stimulation is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a healing practice, and it can provide beneficial sensory stimulation for elderly individuals with dementia. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot have calming and soothing effects that may help reduce anxiety in seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Research has also indicated that aromatherapy may improve sleep quality in the elderly population, so incorporating essential oils into sensory activities is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
Music Therapy
Another form of sensory activity that can stimulate the senses in a calming way is music therapy. Music has the ability to evoke powerful emotions and memories in seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, which can provide them with feelings of comfort and security when listening to music. Additionally, research suggests that listening to music before bedtime can improve sleep quality in seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s by reducing levels of stress hormones.
Touch Therapy
The sense of touch is another important factor in providing seniors with calming sensory stimulation. Activities like massages or joint mobilization can enhance relaxation while also providing sensory input at the same time. Gentle stretching exercises such as yoga or tai chi benefit older adults with limited mobility; when done slowly and mindfully, these practices help to reduce pain while stimulating a powerful mind and body connection that is incredible for mental health.
Visual and Creative Stimulation
Lastly, visual activities such as drawing or painting can effectively engage the creative mind in a calming manner. Drawing and painting encourage creative thinking while enabling seniors to express themselves emotionally through color choice, brush strokes, etc.; this kind of sensory activity helps to keep the mind alert while increasing mental well-being among people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
What Are the Short- and Long-Term Benefits of Sensory Stimulation Activities?
Sensory stimulation activities provide an array of both short-term and long-term benefits for individuals with dementia.
Short-term Benefits
- Engagement – Sensory activities keep dementia patients engaged and active, which can prevent feelings of boredom and restlessness.
- Mood enhancement – These activities often bring joy, comfort, and a sense of accomplishment, enhancing mood and overall well-being.
- Reduced agitation: Sensory stimulation can help reduce anxiety and agitation, providing a calming effect.
Long-term Benefits
- Cognitive stimulation – Regular participation in sensory activities can stimulate the brain, slowing cognitive decline and encouraging neuroplasticity.
- Improved memory – Though not a cure for dementia, these activities can help trigger memories, aiding in recall and recognition.
- Better sleep – Sensory activities such as aromatherapy and music therapy can help improve sleep quality.
- Increased social interaction – Participating in group activities offers opportunities for social interaction, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation common in dementia patients.
Sensory activities are not only used in memory care and with dementia patients. Everyone can benefit from sensory activities, and the earlier one starts, the better the likely outcome in later years.
Utilizing Sensory Activities to Help Improve Quality of Life at Calder Woods
There are plenty of opportunities to incorporate calming sensory activities into care programs for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These sensory experiences have proven beneficial in improving mental health among elderly individuals with cognitive decline.
If you would like to learn more about the lifestyle and activities we provide our residents, you can contact our friendly team of memory care experts today at 409.407.7636 or reach out online.