December 2018 - Dementia Caring

Christmas can be a fun and exciting time but it can also be stressful and exhausting for anyone. For those with dementia those feelings can be exacerbated when Christmas takes them out of their usual routine and involves a lot of overwhelming activities. There are some simple ways adjust your Christmas plans to ensure it’s a positive event for everyone.

In the lead-up to Christmas include your loved one in the preparations with tasks that they enjoy and are able to do – maybe that’s wrapping presents, writing cards or baking. You can also modify your decorations to avoid confusion such as blinking Christmas lights or table pieces designed to look like fruit.

Have a plan on Christmas day. One of the causes of stress for a person with dementia is to depart from their usual routine so ensuring their meal and rest times are the same, can help them remain relaxed. Even if that means your loved one eats a little earlier than other guests or takes a nap or rest break during the day, that’s okay. If they are able to enjoy the gift giving or time spent with grandkids or having dessert with everyone then don’t worry if they need to sit out from other activities.

If your loved one is feeling left out or stressed by conversations like ‘remember that Christmas it was 40 degrees’ or ‘remember the first Christmas after Jenny was born’ try to bring the conversation back to the present and focus on taking photos and enjoying activities in the moment. And finally, if you do have any stressed or aggravated moments try to let them go and focus on the positive environment you have created for your loved one and your family.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything”, said the Greek philosopher Plato over 2,400 years ago. Since then, science has proven that music is beneficial in many ways like improving memory and easing pain. Not surprisingly, music can also help people with dementia. Here’s what science has to say about it:

According to one study, music can improve motor function in patients with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Even better, the effects can last for hours and days after the music stops. Singing is very stimulating for the brain, too: It can improve behavior, mood, and cognitive function in some patients. Another study found that musicians with Alzheimer disease, one of the most common symptoms of dementia, can learn how to play new tunes.

How can a combination of vocals, instruments, and melody—the simple definition of music— help people with dementia?

That’s the million-dollar question that scientists have been asking for a while.

Neuroscientists believe that music evokes emotion, and emotion evokes memories. People with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from memory loss over time, but music can help these patients improve cognitive ability and recall what they were doing while a song was playing.

You might be surprised to know that some patients with dementia have difficulty finding the right words when speaking, but they are able to recall songs and sing them almost like an average person. Very intriguing, right?

At Dementia Caring, we provide music therapy to those living with dementia. Our program can help older adults stimulate their minds, connect to past memories, and improve communication. Do you want to know more about our services? Contact us through our website or by calling us at 1300 792 691 to arrange a free needs assessment.

Mental Boost

Unfortunately, many patients with dementia experience loneliness as they manage their mobility issues and memory loss. There is scientific evidence that social isolation accelerates cognitive impairment; however, the opposite is also true. Interacting with friends, family, and/or caregivers can provide a mental boost for older adults.

Anxiety Control

Whenever you feel sad or angry, the simple act of talking to a friend can make you feel better. The same goes for seniors, but sometimes they don’t have someone they trust available when they need it. The symptoms of dementia can make them feel incapacitated and abandoned. However, social interaction helps them understand their condition, reduce stress, and control anxiety.

While there is no single cure for dementia, social interaction has proven beneficial for patients when combined with personalized care. At Dementia Caring, we provide affordable dementia support and assisted care for those who need it most. Our home care services and specialist therapies can improve your loved one’s quality of life. Contact us through our website or by calling us at 1300 792 691 to arrange a free needs assessment.

Month: December 2018

Christmas Tips

How Music Therapy Can Help People with Dementia

Benefits of Social Interaction for People with Dementia

Mental Boost

Anxiety Control