What Types of Repetitive Activities Might Be Helpful for an Aging Adult with Dementia?

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Many people who have dementia find themselves engaging in repetitive activities out of boredom or restlessness. If this happens often for your senior, you might want to add deliberation to repetitive activities.

Homecare New Providence NJ - What Types of Repetitive Activities Might Be Helpful for an Aging Adult with Dementia?

Homecare New Providence NJ – What Types of Repetitive Activities Might Be Helpful for an Aging Adult with Dementia?

Some of these might be fun to try.

Sorting Objects

Sorting like items together can be very soothing and it ties in to the repetitive action your senior might enjoy. Some of the types of items that you can have her sort could include dried pasta, coins, blocks, or keys. You can try all sorts of items, really, as long as they’re not a danger to your aging adult.

Folding Washcloths and Smaller Clothing

Folding clothing and towels can be a great repetitive activity and it helps you with the laundry. Clothing or other laundry that is too big might be too much for your senior depending on her condition, though. Stick with smaller items that are easy to fold. She might enjoy matching up and folding socks, for example, or washcloths. You might even want to save these items specifically for your aging adult.

Helping with Food Preparation

While food preparation as a whole might not be enjoyable or doable for your senior, smaller tasks might be. Tasks such as sorting silverware or stirring a pot could be exactly in line with what she’s able to do. See where her limits are and then save some of those tasks just for her.

Stringing Objects

Stringing beads or other items onto a piece of twine can keep your senior occupied for a while. You can actually make things such as necklaces or bracelets with her or even create snacks for animals and birds outside. If your senior just enjoys the process, you can string and unstring the same items over and over again.

Playing with Bubbles

Everything doesn’t have to be about a finished project, though. Some repetitive activities, such as playing with bubbles, can be just for fun. Try varying the sizes of the bubbles to shake things up while you and your senior play.

Make a list of the repetitive activities that your senior enjoys and share it with homecare providers and other family members. That way they know how they can help your senior when she’s feeling agitated or restless.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Homecare Services in New Providence NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP