Keeping Your Dad with Alzheimer’s Engaged While You’re at Work
If your dad has Alzheimer’s, it’s essential to keep him engaged and active, even when you’re not there. Here are some simple and effective ways to do this:
### 1. **Create a Daily Routine**
Establishing a daily routine can help your dad feel more secure and engaged. This can include activities like:
– **Morning Greeting**: Start the day with a gentle greeting and a simple task, like folding laundry or watering plants.
– **Music Time**: Play his favorite music or sing along together. Music often evokes positive emotions and can be a great way to connect.
– **Pet Time**: If your dad loves pets, spend time with them. Feeding, grooming, or simply sitting together can be very comforting.
### 2. **Encourage Social Interaction**
Visitors are crucial for people with Alzheimer’s, even if they don’t fully recognize them. Here’s how you can manage this:
– **Keep Visitors Low-Key**: Limit the number of visitors at any one time to avoid overwhelming your dad. Prepare friends and family by explaining how Alzheimer’s affects behavior and memory.
– **Engaging Activities**: Suggest activities like sharing stories or playing simple games. These can be done in a quiet café or a familiar community event.
– **Rotate Visitors**: Use rotating schedules for visitors to keep the groups smaller and more manageable.
### 3. **Plan for Holidays and Special Events**
Holidays can be both joyful and stressful for people with Alzheimer’s. Here’s how you can make them more enjoyable:
– **Familiar Traditions**: Incorporate familiar traditions into your celebrations. This can help your dad feel more comfortable and engaged.
– **Quiet Spaces**: Create quiet spaces where your dad can relax without feeling overwhelmed by large gatherings.
– **Smaller Celebrations**: Limit large gatherings and embrace smaller, more manageable celebrations. This can reduce anxiety and make the day more enjoyable.
### 4. **Prioritize Their Well-being**
Remember, your dad’s well-being is the most important thing. Here are some tips to keep him comfortable and engaged:
– **Maintain Routines**: When traveling, plan rest periods and maintain routines to reduce anxiety.
– **Avoid Changes**: Do not rearrange furniture or drastically change the appearance of his home/comfort zone. This can cause confusion and stress.
– **Encourage Nonverbal Communication**: If your dad is struggling to communicate verbally, use nonverbal cues like touch, sights, sounds, smells, and tastes to connect with him.
### 5. **Use Technology**
Technology can be a great tool for keeping your dad engaged, especially if he enjoys using digital devices:
– **Games and Puzzles**: Use digital devices to engage with games and puzzles. This can help keep his mind active and entertained.
– **Video Calls**: Use video calls to connect with loved ones. This can provide social interaction and a sense of connection.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your dad with Alzheimer’s engaged and active even when you’re not there. Remember to always prioritize his well-being and adapt activities to his current abilities. With patience and understanding, you can make a significant difference in his quality of life.
