Close to the sun-soaked coast of California, seniors in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas find solace and invigoration through engaging activities that enhance their well-being. For seniors with dementia, additional care and support from memory care communities can offer a nurturing environment that caters to their unique needs while encouraging these activities.
Today, our team at Hillcrest will talk about some of the best dementia-alleviating activities for seniors in Los Angeles, California and its surrounding areas.
The Power of Puzzles and Brain Games for Seniors with Dementia
Puzzles and other brain games can be highly beneficial for seniors with dementia, providing mental stimulation and cognitive engagement. Engaging in activities like jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, memory games, and word searches can help exercise different cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, attention, and language skills. They can be enjoyable and fulfilling for individuals with dementia, offering a sense of accomplishment and promoting a sense of mental sharpness.
Additionally, puzzles and brain games present opportunities for social interaction, as they can be done individually or in a group setting, fostering connections and a sense of community. Incorporating these into your loved one’s daily routine like we have in our memory care program can contribute to preserving cognitive abilities as much as possible.
Our Music Therapy Strikes a Harmonious Chord With Seniors
Music is a powerful tool that can help seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia to relax, reduce anxiety, and improve their moods. Whether it’s the simple joy of listening to familiar tunes that evoke cherished memories or the joyous experience of singing along to beloved songs, music becomes a language of connection and solace in Hillcrest’s dementia care.
In Los Angeles and La Verne, Art Unveils More Therapeutic Creativity
Art therapy has been found to be particularly helpful for individuals with dementia, as it engages different parts of the brain and can stimulate memories. There are several art therapy programs available in Los Angeles, including Alzheimer’s Los Angeles’ Memories in the Making program, which offers gallery tours and art-making activities for seniors with dementia and their loved ones. And, of course, our own specially-trained associates are always happy to encourage visually artistic activities in long-term memory care.
Reminiscence Inspires Serenity and Appreciation
Engaging seniors in discussions, photo albums, or storytelling sessions about their past experiences can stimulate memory recall, promote social interaction, and strengthen emotional connections. We’re always mindful about how to approach and talk to seniors, ensuring they maintain positive attitudes toward their past, present, and future.
Exercise Energizes Seniors for Optimal Health
Regular indoor exercise is essential for everyone, including seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Exercise can help improve strength, balance, and flexibility, which can reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. In addition, the following types of exercises we facilitate at Hillcrest have been shown to lighten mood, increase energy, and reduce stress in seniors.
- Gentle yoga or chair yoga: Tailoring yoga exercises to the abilities of seniors with dementia by focusing on gentle stretches, breathing techniques, and relaxation can promote physical and mental health.
- Modified sports or games: Adapting traditional games or sports, such as modified bowling, gentle tossing, or balloon volleyball can all provide physical activity, social engagement, and enjoyable moments for seniors with dementia.
- Tai Chi: this gentle form of exercise involves slow, flowing movements combined with deep breathing and mental focus. It can help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination. The controlled nature of Tai Chi makes it accessible for individuals with varying abilities and can be adapted to suit the needs of seniors with dementia, delivering both physical and mental benefits.
Remember to consider the abilities and limitations of individuals with dementia when selecting exercises. Always prioritize security, provide proper supervision, and tailor activities to their needs and interests. Consulting with health care professionals and dementia care experts can help create a personalized exercise plan.
Although Los Angeles has many organizations that offer exercise programs for seniors with dementia, Hillcrest stands out for its secure environment, familiar surroundings, and vibrant lifestyle options.
Los Angeles Nature Walks Uncover Natural Beauty
Spending time outdoors surrounded by nature can be very relaxing and calming for seniors with dementia. There are several parks in Los Angeles and La Verne that give your loved one an opportunity to get some fresh air, sunlight, and physical activity, such as:
- Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
- Topanga State Park
- Will Rogers State Historic Park
- Marshall Canyon Regional Park
- Lincoln Park
We hope you can fully discover the rejuvenating power of nature alongside your loved one with dementia while creating cherished memories.
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy involves interacting with animals, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Programs for pet therapy are available throughout Los Angeles County, such as The Good Dog Foundation, which offers therapy dogs to visit seniors with dementia. We welcome visits from therapy pets of all kinds, too!
Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be challenging, but there is hope. From music and art therapy to exercise and outdoor activities, there is always something to engage, stimulate, and uplift seniors with dementia. Helping your loved one in the Los Angeles area take advantage of some of the activities we’ve shared today will help to maintain their well-being.
If your loved one could benefit from comprehensive dementia care in Los Angeles, you’re in the right place.
Senior activities are just a small portion of how we help seniors with memory loss at Hillcrest. Get in touch with us for more information about our memory care community in La Verne.
