When your parent requires dementia care, it can be difficult and even heartbreaking to look for ways to maintain your bond with them. They don’t have the capabilities that they once had, and they may not even remember you very well in the first place. However, if you take the time to consider some ways to spend quality time with your parent, you’ll be grateful for it.

5 Ideas for Quality Time with a Parent Who Has Dementia

1. Play with R.O.S. Legacy Activity Systems™

Experts in dementia care have developed a gaming system called the R.O.S. Legacy Activity System™ that serves as both therapy and entertainment. If your parent has limited mobility, they can still play as they insert the colorful pegs into holes and play a variety of ways. If they want to play on their own while you watch, there is a solo game too.

2. Peruse Old Photos

Put together a photo album, complete with names, locations, and perhaps descriptions for each picture. People who have dementia have better long-term memory recall than short-term. The images will temporarily reignite some of their memories, allowing you to reminisce together. 

3. Take Trips

Just because your parent requires dementia care doesn’t mean they can’t appreciate a zoo, aquarium, or museum. Embark on an occasional trip with your parent to a beautiful place where you can admire your surroundings together, even if it’s just a walk around a park. It also gives your parent a vital chance for some light exercise.

4. Create & Experience Art

When verbal communication is no longer possible, try using music, painting, or literature to connect with your parent and raise their level of brain activity. Play songs, complete puzzles, and read books that your parent loved before needing dementia care. 

5. Have Meetings & Check-Ins

Agree with other family members on a certain time and place to gather together routinely to play games, eat meals, or chat together. As long as your parent is well enough, have them join you. Even if their participation is limited, it will likely be a positive experience for them. Between gatherings, call or visit daily, ideally at a predictable time for your parent.

Spend quality time with your parent as they receive compassionate and thorough dementia care at Country Villa Assisted Living, Inc., located in Omro, Freedom, and Pulaski, WI. Whether you want to explore the walking trails in the 12-acre parks or relish a home-cooked meal and dessert, the assisted living facilities offer a variety of activities that you can do together. The retirement homes also feature access to spas, beauty salons, and fire pits. For additional details, call the Omro house at (920) 685-0607, the Freedom location at (920) 422-4620, or the Pulaski home at (920) 822-2040. You can also explore their website.