Activities for Kids to Perform with Family Members who Have Alzheimer’s (1)

It’s tough enough for kids to realize exactly what Alzheimer’s is, and what it does, and it’s even harder for them to stay involved with whomever it is that is afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Still, there are several activities out there that both kids and the Alzheimer’s patient can enjoy.

First of all, you must know what to look for in an activity. There are a few things each activity should include. To start with, they should compensate for any abilities that the person with Alzheimer’s may have lost. Second, any activity that is created must promote self-esteem. Though they may be losing their memory, patients with Alzheimer’s still need to feel that they have some worth to somebody, and activities are an ideal way to show this. Activities should be very socially oriented, providing a rare chance for an Alzheimer’s patient to interact with those around them. This will also allow the child to act with the patient in some way, improving their relationship. Experts in this field say that activities should not include those things that may involve the patient learning something new. You should never spotlight the limits of the patient, as that will cripple their self-esteem, and be completely counter-productive to the activity.

When you’re thinking of an activity, remember to consider what made that person special prior to their bout with Alzheimer’s. For instance, some people are immaculately dressed, so try to figure out a way for the activity to focus on that. That will help boost the Alzheimer’s patient’s self-esteem.

Every activity you decide on should attempt to re-establish old roles. For example, if someone was an improbable piano player, maybe try putting him or her in front of a piano to play for a bit. They could play something simple with the child, allowing them to interact socially, and further their relationship, while at the same time building the self-esteem of the Alzheimer’s patient.