We’re welcoming brighter days while continuing to promote health and safety.
When you are the caregiver for a family member who has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, one goal you might have is to help them feel productive and empowered. As the disease robs people of their abilities, it can be a challenge for loved ones to find ways to protect their self-esteem.
Studies show that connecting seniors who have dementia with nature allows for meaningful interactions. Other research finds that green spaces support personhood and a feeling of active citizenship for people with a memory impairment. This field of research is increasingly being referred to as “green dementia.”
If you are looking for ideas you can use at home to promote engagement with nature on a regular basis, we have some for you to explore.
Nature and Activities for Adults with Dementia
As is true of most life enrichment activities for people with dementia, it’s important to focus on enjoyment rather than achievement. For example, let’s say your goal one afternoon is to spend time bird watching and identifying the feathered friends you encounter. If your loved one’s attention is diverted by children swimming in a nearby pool, however, let them enjoy it instead of trying to force them to get back on track whenever possible.
Sunrise Reminiscence® Neighborhoods
At Sunrise Senior Living, we know the essential role life enrichment programs play in the lives of adults with dementia. Each of our memory care residents is assigned a personal Life Enrichment Manager (LEM). The LEM gets to know the resident and their interests and uses that knowledge to help the senior live purposeful days. Call (888) 434-4648 to schedule an in-person or virtual tour of a Sunrise memory care program near you!