Rebuilding and Reinforcing Skills for Adults with Memory Issues

Memory Care Library Blog > Rebuilding and Reinforcing Skills for Adults with Memory Issues

Rebuilding and Reinforcing Skills for Adults with Memory Issues

Description:

Making reinforcing and reintroducing life skills, including hygiene, fun and rich.

Potential Audiences:

  1. Individuals with Memory Issues including Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Aphasia.
    1. Caregivers
      1. Family Members
      1. Healthcare Professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists.
      1. Community Organizations and Volunteers
      1. General Public

Goal:

Life Skills Activities: Engage the person in simple life skills activities that they used to enjoy, such as cooking, gardening, or crafts. These activities can tap into their procedural memory and evoke a sense of familiarity and accomplishment.

Length:

60-90 minutes

Agenda:

Can we restore skills in people with dementia, aphasia, or Alzheimer’s?

While it may not be possible to fully restore skills in individuals with dementia, aphasia, or Alzheimer’s, there are interventions and strategies that can help maintain existing skills and potentially slow down the progression of cognitive decline. The effectiveness of these approaches may vary depending on the individual and the stage of their condition. Here are some interventions that can be beneficial:

  • Speech and Language Therapy: Speech and language therapy can help individuals with aphasia improve their communication skills. Therapists use techniques such as word retrieval exercises, language drills, and strategies to enhance comprehension and expression. While speech and language therapy cannot reverse the underlying condition, it can facilitate alternative communication methods and support functional communication.
    • Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in activities that provide cognitive stimulation, such as puzzles, memory games, or reminiscence therapy, can help maintain cognitive function and potentially slow down cognitive decline. These activities can target various cognitive domains like memory, attention, problem-solving, and language skills.
      • Physical Exercise: Regular physical exercise has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function and overall well-being. Physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, enhances neuroplasticity, and may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Encourage individuals to engage in appropriate physical activities based on their abilities and preferences.
      • Social Engagement: Maintaining social connections and engaging in social activities can have a positive impact on cognition and emotional well-being. Encourage individuals to participate in social activities, join support groups, or engage in meaningful interactions with family and friends. Social engagement can help stimulate cognitive abilities, reduce isolation, and enhance overall quality of life.
      • Assistive Technology: There are various assistive technologies available that can support individuals with dementia, aphasia, or Alzheimer’s. These technologies range from speech-generating devices and communication apps to reminders and prompts for daily activities. Assistive technology can aid in communication, memory support, and independent living.
      • Medication and Medical Management: Medications prescribed by healthcare professionals may help manage symptoms and slow the progression of certain conditions. Consult with healthcare providers who specialize in dementia, aphasia, or Alzheimer’s to explore appropriate medication options and potential benefits.

It’s important to note that while these interventions may help maintain skills and improve quality of life, they do not provide a cure or complete restoration of cognitive abilities. Individual responses to interventions may vary, and it’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals and specialists who can tailor interventions to the specific needs and abilities of the individual.

Additionally, providing a supportive and enabling environment, along with consistent care and emotional support, is crucial for individuals with these conditions. This includes creating a structured routine, providing clear communication, ensuring safety, and fostering a positive and calm atmosphere.

What are some good memory care toys or games for seniors?

When choosing memory care toys or games for seniors, it’s important to consider their cognitive abilities, interests, and preferences. Here are some examples of memory care toys and games that can be beneficial for seniors:

Memory Matching Games: Matching games involve turning over cards to find matching pairs. Look for games with large, easily distinguishable images or symbols. Matching games can help improve memory, concentration, and cognitive skills.

Reminiscence Cards or Conversation Prompts: Reminiscence cards or conversation prompts can stimulate memories and encourage storytelling. These cards often feature images, questions, or prompts related to past experiences, allowing seniors to reminisce and share their stories.

Sensory Stimulation Toys: Sensory toys can provide tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation. Examples include textured balls, fidget toys, or sensory cushions. These toys can engage the senses, provide comfort, and promote relaxation.

Simple Jigsaw Puzzles: Choose jigsaw puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces and clear images. Select puzzles with a limited number of pieces and simpler designs to make them more accessible. Puzzle-solving can help with cognitive skills, visual perception, and fine motor coordination.

Word Games and Crossword Puzzles: Word games, such as word searches or crossword puzzles, can stimulate language skills, memory, and cognitive abilities. Look for puzzles with larger fonts and simpler clues to make them more senior-friendly.

Picture Books or Photo Albums: Picture books or photo albums filled with familiar images and memories can stimulate reminiscence and encourage conversation. Choose books or albums with clear, large-print pictures that are relevant to the individual’s life experiences.

Board Games: Select board games that are easy to understand and play. Look for games that promote memory recall, such as trivia games or games based on popular culture from the person’s era. Consider adaptations or simplified versions of traditional board games to make them more accessible.

Playing Cards: Playing card games, such as Go Fish or matching games, can provide social interaction and cognitive stimulation. Choose playing cards with large, easy-to-read numbers and suits. Simple card games can help with memory, strategy, and concentration.

Musical Instruments: Musical instruments, such as simple percussion instruments like drums or shakers, can encourage rhythmic movement, self-expression, and enjoyment. Playing or experimenting with musical instruments can be both stimulating and entertaining.

Puzzles with Familiar Images: Look for puzzles that feature images of familiar places, objects, or themes that are meaningful to the individual. These puzzles can evoke memories and provide a sense of familiarity and connection.

Remember, the choice of memory care toys or games should be based on the individual’s abilities and interests. It’s essential to adapt the activities to their cognitive level, providing enjoyable and engaging experiences that promote mental stimulation and well-being.

Space, Logistics, Equipment, Materials and Supplies:

  • Comfortable space (fireplaces are lovely when your library has one)
    • Same level as washrooms and mobility-challenged accessible
      • Comfortable chairs (no wheels and preferably with arms.
      • Room to share and play individually with toys or play as a group.
      • Refreshments

Potential community partners and outreach:

  • Alzheimer’s Association
  • Dementia-friendly Communities
  • Memory Care Facilities and Senior Centers
  • Healthcare Providers and Social Service Agencies
  • Aging and Gerontology Organizations
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Community Support Groups
  • Local Universities, Colleges, and Research Institutions

When approaching these organizations, it is helpful to have a clear vision of the library’s goals and resources. Be open to discussing potential partnerships, sharing ideas, and identifying areas where collaboration can benefit both parties. Building strong relationships with these organizations can enhance the library’s capacity to serve individuals with dementia and their families effectively.

Marketing:

  • Pick and test a great and non-stigmatized program title.
  • Work with your partners to communicate with potential participants and caregivers.
  • Search and engage with local networks, seniors club and residences, and social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)
  • Consider outreach and off-site programs.

Evaluation:

  • Ask participants and caregivers for feedback for impact and improvement.
  • Evaluate your program as a series and as an event.
  • Collect feedback and testimonials.
  • Engage partners and outreach sites in evaluation.

Tips: Look to the following websites for inspiration:

MindCare Products to Consider

Date Clockhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimers-day-date-flip-clock-p/mc-0048.htm
Simple Music Playerhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/music-player-p/mc-2115.htm
Head Phoneshttps://www.mindcarestore.com/simple-headphones-elderly-p/mc-2118.htm
Art ballhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/creative-activity-art-ball-p/mc-0206.htm
Busy Boardhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/Busy-Work-Activity-Board-Alzheimers-p/mc-0207.htm
Busy Cubehttps://www.alzstore.com/dementia-sensory-tactile-busy-fidget-cube-p/0221.htm
Fidget Toy
Widget toyshttps://www.alzstore.com/relish-adult-fidget-widget-toy-p/0217.htm
Fiddle Muffhttps://www.alzstore.com/fur-fiddle-hand-muffs-alzheimers-activity-p/0216.htm
Mazehttps://www.alzstore.com/marble-mazes-activity-for-dementia-p/0219.htm
Activity Apronhttps://www.alzstore.com/fidget-busy-apron-p/0138.htm
Total Brain Healthhttps://www.alzstore.com/toolbox365-brain-health-training-activity-p/0082.htm
Toolboxhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/activity-handyman-box-dementia-p/mc-0088.htm
Memory Cardshttps://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-photo-picture-cards-p/mc-0097.htm
Shake loose ALLhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/shake-loose-a-memory-game-p/mc-0339-0004.htm
Alzheimer Proofing you Homehttps://www.mindcarestore.com/complete-guide-to-alzheimers-proofing-your-home-p/mc-2149.htm
Bible Verseshttps://www.alzstore.com/verses-from-the-bible-p/2153.htm
Everyday Fashionhttps://www.alzstore.com/everyday-fashions-p/2206.htm
36-hour Day.https://www.alzstore.com/36-Hour-Day-Book-for-Alzheimer-s-Care-p/2229.htm
Reusable Painthttps://www.alzstore.com/paint-with-water-coloring-sheets-p/2087.htm
Call to Mindhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-game-for-alzheimers-p/mc-h012.htm
Bird Puzzlehttps://www.alzstore.com/bird-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/0230.htm
Puzzle set of 4https://www.alzstore.com/farmland-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/0330.htm
Memory Cardshttps://www.mindcarestore.com/conversation-photo-picture-cards-p/mc-0097.htm
Aerobics for the mindhttps://www.alzstore.com/exercise-memory-cards-p/0076.htm
Weighted body padhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/weighted-lap-body-pad-sensory-anxiety-therapy-p/mc-m008.htm
Sensor Wraphttps://www.mindcarestore.com/weighted-wrap-sensory-anxiety-therapy-p/mc-m010.htm
Puppieshttps://www.alzstore.com/ambient-puppies-dvd-p/2096.htm
arthttps://www.alzstore.com/ambient-art-dvd-p/2098.htm
waterhttps://www.alzstore.com/ambient-water-dvd-p/2099.htm
Bathing w/o battlehttps://www.alzstore.com/bathing-without-a-battle-dvd-p/2059.htm
Teepa (u pick 4)https://www.mindcarestore.com/teepa-snow-dvds-p/mc-0704.htm
Condition Cardshttps://www.alzstore.com/i-have-a-condition-card-p/0342.htm
Lacing Cardhttps://www.alzstore.com/lacing-activity-for-elderly-with-Alzheimers-p/0213.htm
Magic Coloring bookhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/magic-painting-book-p/mc-2080.htm
Christmas Coloringhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimer-s-Christmas-magic-painting-book-p/mc-2082.htm
Snow Queen Coloringhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/Alzheimer-s-Snow-Queen-magic-painting-book-p/mc-2084.htm
Wood Puzzles (4)https://www.alzstore.com/wooden-puzzles-w-tray-for-dementia-p/2086.htm
Baby Doll Therapyhttps://www.mindcarestore.com/dementia-baby-doll-therapy-p/mc-0501.htm
Life Station w/accessorieshttps://www.alzstore.com/artist-life-station-p/1100.htm
Ungame for Seniorshttps://www.mindcarestore.com/ungame-for-seniors-p/mc-h010.htm
Match it Game (4)https://www.alzstore.com/match-it-game-vintage-edition-p/3500.htm
All About Us gamehttps://www.alzstore.com/memory-activity-game-for-dementia-p/h014.htm
Dog Cathttps://www.mindcarestore.com/Joy-For-All-Pets-Companion-Alzheimer-doll-therapy-p/mc-0604.htm