March 2019 - Dementia Caring

We all know that physical exercise is essential to living long, healthy, and happy lives, but did you know that it has similar, positive effects on the wellness of older individuals living with dementia?

Let’s take a look at the benefits of physical exercise for people with dementia:
Limiting Risk & Progression
According to Dementia Australia, enjoying regular physical activity is great for your brain health because it increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It’s also known to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other undesirable conditions.

Although there is no cure for dementia, it’s clear that getting active is a great way to keep your mind as healthy as possible and potentially slow down the progression of the disease.
Reducing Stress & Depression
Just like the rest of us, individuals living with dementia can benefit from exercise to boost their mental health. Although it may seem hard in the midst of a tough workout, exercise is shown to help our bodies produce more endorphins, giving us a good happiness boost.

Older people with this disease frequently experience stress and depression, and as the illness progresses, their agitation and frustration become far more frequent and intense. By occupying their time with gentle and repetitive physical activities, you can keep their minds occupied and put them at ease as there are no decisions to make as they walk on the treadmill or pedal a stationary bike.
Improving Sleep Quality
It’s no surprise that physical activity helps to promote better sleep. Think about it: how well do you sleep after going for a long walk or a great session at the gym?

The same can absolutely be said for men and women living with dementia. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to struggle to regulate their sleep patterns, which then become some of the most challenging behaviours in dementia sufferers. By incorporating a few physical activities in their lives, they can enjoy a much better night’s sleep.

Now that you’ve seen how great physical activity can be in the lives of dementia sufferers, how will you incorporate it into your loved one’s routine? For more information on how we support individuals with dementia, visit our website or reach out at 1300 792 691.

Although we are all working hard to maintain healthy lifestyles with proper diets, nutrition is especially important for people with dementia. In the later stages of the illness, individuals begin to lose control of their own movements, including their ability to chew and swallow, and frequently forget the importance of regular nutritious meals.

That’s why it’s so vital to make meals as easy and healthy as possible. Here’s how:
Finding the Right Foods
First and foremost, you want to choose specific foods that are easy for your loved one to enjoy.
● Offer Soft Options: Because they may have more difficulty eating, it’s essential to opt for items that require less chewing and are easy to swallow. Consider preparing foods that can be cut into small pieces or choosing soft options, like apple sauce or scrambled eggs.
● Supplement with Smoothies: Nutrition drinks can be used to supplement an individual’s diet if they are struggling to eat enough during their meals since they frequently contain many vitamins and minerals that are essential to your loved one’s health. It should be noted that they should not replace meals though, but rather should be an added boost to their regular meal.
● Find More Finger Foods: If your loved one is struggling with mobility or coordination, using utensils can be a recipe for disaster. Instead, consider offering options that are easy to eat with their fingers, like orange slices, potato wedges, or hard-boiled eggs.
Making Mealtimes Easy
Now that you’ve found options that are more manageable for your loved one, it’s time to consider how you can make mealtimes easier for them.
● Allot Tons of Time: No matter how soft or bite-sized you’ve made your meals, if an individual has trouble eating, it will take them plenty of time to finish a feast. Be patient and allow them all the time necessary to enjoy the experience.
● Do Away with Distractions: Individuals with dementia are easily distracted, making it very difficult to motivate them to eat an entire meal. Eliminate distractions, like the television, a busy street, and even casual conversation, to help them focus on a single task at hand.
● Slim Down Selections: Although variety may be the spice of life for most, it can be very detrimental for people living with dementia. Too many options can be overwhelming, so consider offering them one or two options at a time.

At Dementia Caring, we take special pride in offering nothing but the best support for the individuals in our care. For more information on the services we provide, call us at 1300 792 691 or reach out to us online!

Month: March 2019

Benefits of Physical Exercise for People with Dementia

Nutrition Tips for People with Dementia