Dementia is progressive, and memory loss can get worse over time. The progression of dementia varies for each person, and some activities can slow that progression and help your loved one hold onto their memories longer. In addition to a healthy diet and physical activity, it may be possible to slow the advance through socialization and mental stimulation. The caregivers at Autumn View Gardens Ellisville implement many strategies to provide these types of activities. However, family members can also contribute by understanding the importance of bonding between the generations.
Intergenerational activities incorporate multiple factors that may help slow the progress of dementia. Spending time with others, including relatives, provides social interactions that may help. Doing activities together and talking also offer cognitive stimulation. Younger visitors often encourage your loved one to play or do activities that involve physical exertion.
For younger participants, the bonding time creates memories with older relatives. It often helps them learn about the family's history and the past in general, and they might hear stories they haven't heard before. Interactions with older adults also help kids build their social skills and learn how to relate to different types of people.
The following tips help you encourage intergenerational bonding with your loved one living in an assisted living or memory care community.
Any intergenerational bonding time is helpful, but making it a routine means everyone involved experiences the benefits over and over. Regular interactions also help make the activities more comfortable and familiar, as repetition is often beneficial for people with memory loss. How often you visit and plan intergenerational activities depends largely on your schedule and proximity. If you live in the same town, for example, it's easier to plan recurring events.
Kids might not know what to expect if they don't visit their loved one often. Even adults are sometimes unsure of how to interact with someone who has dementia. Kids might also be unsure about being around older adults if it's not a common experience for them.
Describe what they can expect to experience during the time spent with your loved one. Give them some ideas of what they can say or do to engage with the person you're visiting. During the bonding activities, remain close so you can serve as a guide if a new situation arises. It's also helpful to chat about the visit later to help your kids process the events. They may have questions about dementia or getting older based on their experiences. Talking about it helps reassure them and prepares them for future visits.
The timing of the interactions is often important when dementia is a factor. Your loved one might have certain times of the day when they're calm and free of agitation, usually earlier in the day. If you have young children, consider their schedules as well. Visiting during their nap time could present a challenge. Time the activities for when everyone involved is likely to be in a good mood and willing to participate fully.
Having activities planned adds a fun element to the bonding time. It engages everyone and helps build memories. Kids, in particular, might be bored if the only plan is to sit and visit with your loved one. Some activity ideas include:
Consider the ages and interests of the younger participants as well as the abilities of your loved one in memory care. Choose activities that are safe and engaging for all participants. Ideal activities are tasks everyone can complete successfully to make them more enjoyable.
Activities don't always go as planned, so having backup ideas helps maintain a positive direction for the day. Pack a puzzle in case rain washes out your plans for a nature walk. Bring a wide range of art supplies if you're doing a craft in case your original options aren't easy for the kids or your loved one to use. You might always bring a movie, a read-aloud book and a few games just in case.
It's important to be flexible when planning intergenerational events. Some days are better than others with adults who have dementia and kids who might have other things they want to do. While going into the day with a plan helps prevent boredom, the day is more productive and positive when you're willing to be flexible. The plans might naturally take a different direction. Rolling with those new ideas often results in laughs and memories you can cherish.
