Staying connected to a senior friend or loved one in memory care can occasionally be challenging. Spending time together will help you stay connected and enjoy each other’s company. Find some memory care activities that offer comfort and joy, and you’ll be able to keep your bond strong.
Memory Care Activities That Offer Comfort and Joy
Memory care is one of the fastest growing types of senior living communities in the United States, which means many of us have a friend or loved one who lives in one of those communities. If you have a loved one in memory care, you may be wondering how you can best spend time with them.
While some of your loved one’s capabilities may have changed since they entered memory care, they will still appreciate you spending time with them. Spending time with someone in memory care can help them stay happier and more engaged, and even reduce the impact of issues like anxiety and depression. The secret to making your time together fun is finding activities that let you enjoy each other’s company without causing your senior loved one anxiety or frustration. Memory care experts recommend seeking out fun, “no-fail” activities that focus on comfort, joy, and connection.
Create a Memory Box Together
Are you looking for a way to remind your senior loved one of the good old days? Focusing on specific memories can be a source of frustration. However, the odds are good that your senior loved one will still find some joy in interacting with familiar objects and reminders of happy times. You can help them do this by working with them to create a memory box. This box can be filled with personal mementos like photos, souvenirs, or objects connected to their past that might spark a happy association.
Make a Picture Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles can be a lot of fun for seniors, and photos of favorite memories can stimulate joyful moments for people in memory care. You can combine the two by making a picture puzzle for your loved one. Find a photo of a happy thing, such as a beloved pet or treasured family vacation. Print it out and glue it to some cardboard, then cut it into two or three pieces that your senior loved one can easily reassemble. Sit with your loved one and let them put the puzzle together, or help them assemble it if needed.
Have Fun with the Five Senses
Did you know that all five senses are engaged every time you make a memory? If you want to help your senior loved one enjoy a memory, you don’t necessarily have to do it with words. Consider other ways you can creatively evoke some treasured memories that you can both enjoy:
- Bring them beloved foods from the past, such as family recipes or seasonal treats you know they enjoyed.
- Consider ways you can evoke memories via their sense of smell. For example, if they used to take beach vacations, the smell of sunscreen or the ocean might make them smile.
- Touch can be a comforting sensation for those with age-related memory issues. Let your senior loved ones hold soft, friendly materials like favorite blankets or even old stuffed animals while you spend time together.
- There’s nothing like a favorite song to bring old memories flooding back. You can play some specific music from their past, or just put the radio on and enjoy some oldies while you sit together.
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If you have a loved one in memory care, try one of these memory care activities next time you visit them. You might be surprised by how much fun you can have taking a walk down memory lane.
Are you interested in retiring in Springfield, Missouri? At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today by sending us a message online or calling 417-708-3403.