Share:

The challenges of caring for a loved one experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can seem overwhelming. Not knowing how to help may leave you feeling powerless and frustrated. However, there are things you can do to support and strengthen a senior’s memory as the age.

The caregivers at Home Helpers of Jacksonville, Calhoun County, AL’s, leading provider of in-home senior care, suggest incorporating the following activities in your loved one’s daily routine:

  • Senior CareGet Moving: Regular exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Simple activities like going for a brisk walk or a short swim in a backyard pool have a positive impact on memory and cognitive function. Help elderly family members to stay active by inviting them on regular strolls around the neighborhood or encouraging them to attend low-impact fitness classes at a local senior care center.  
  • Engage Their Mind: Keeping the mind in use is an essential aspect of Alzheimer’s care. According to researchers, increasing mental activity significantly reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and may help slow its progress in early stages. Stimulating the brain doesn’t have to be a chore—you can do so by playing board games, solving crossword puzzles, and reading books together. The key is to find an activity a senior enjoys so they’re more likely to make it a regular habit.
  • Cook Healthy Meals: Preparing meals together is an excellent way to spend quality time with your loved one while also supporting their memory. Following a recipe is a fun way to focus the mind, though what you cook matters. Cholesterol has been linked to a heightened risk of Alzheimer’s, so committing to a healthy diet is important. By cooking balanced meals filled with lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, you’ll ensure your family member is eating right. Instead of red meat, encourage your loved choose a leaner protein, like fish. Evidence suggests that eating fish regularly may improve the risk of age-related memory problems, along with overall health.
  • Reduce Stress: When someone experiences stress, their body produces cortisol, a hormone that impairs the brain’s structure and function. Because acute stress affects the part of the brain that controls memory, managing anxiety is important for seniors. Your loved one can lower their stress levels with relaxing activities like meditation, gentle yoga, or listening to soothing music.

If a member of your family is struggling with age-related dementia, Home Helpers of Jacksonville can help. With caregivers specially trained in Alzheimer’s care, their compassionate and personalized assistance will enrich your senior’s daily life. Visit their website to learn more or call (256) 776-7769 to schedule a consultation with their staff.

tracking