Small enjoyable activities make a big impact

How small enjoyable activities make a big impact

This letter is for anyone who has a loved one living with dementia

I have been a nurse for 15 years and over those years I have cared for many patients with Alzheimer’s.

My family and I used to live in Calgary, two of our kids were born here, then we moved to B.C. for a time, and have now returned. We love Calgary, love its open spaces and magnificent skies, friendly people and Rocky Mountains. Calgary feels like home now, we feel that we belong here.

Over the time of my nursing career, I have been inspired by all the families and patients I have had the privilege of working with.

Often times, I get to see how small changes, or little activities, can make a big impact in a person’s life.

I have also had so many people ask me how they can help their loved ones. This is why I have decided to share some examples with you of things I have seen firsthand.

In our busy lives we try to make time for some things or activities we enjoy. They might be going for a walk, listening to music, gardening, cooking, playing games or having a cup of coffee in our favourite coffee shop. These activities make us happier, more relaxed, reduce stress and improve our mental functioning. That’s why it’s so important for persons with Alzheimer’s to continue these activities as long as possible. And caregivers play crucial role in supporting these activities especially when persons with Alzheimer’s start to lose focus or forget about them.

The types of therapeutic activities you can do are up to the person's likes and favorite things to do. What someone has enjoyed doing all their lives, they may still enjoy doing (with adaptations) as the disease progresses.

Families and loved ones who know the person the best can come up with ideas.

Does your dad like reading the newspaper every morning and has been doing it for years? I would suggest to continue the subscription and bring in a fresh newspaper for him every morning. Later on, when he might not be able to read it, you can read for him. Even if he seems to be ignoring it, the presence of that newspaper can create a sense of routine and stability.

One of my patients was an attorney and in his late stage of Alzheimer’s when he could not prepare speeches anymore, just enabling him to talk to someone would bring back his sense of purpose (and calm his busy mind). All he needed was someone who would listen.

Another example is music therapy. If your mom has loved playing the piano or singing, encourage her to continue. Even if she forgets how to play an instrument, or forgets the lyrics, she will appreciate listening to music. In fact, people living with dementia often remember their favourite songs from their childhood for the longest time.

I remember so fondly, one couple, a husband and wife. The wife was one of my patients in a care home. They had been music lovers all their lives and the husband used to play their favourite songs when he came to visit. His wife was the happiest when they were singing together.

Familiar surroundings are also important in creating a sense of security and calmness for people with dementia. If you find yourself needing to make a difficult decision to choose a care home for your loved one, considering surroundings that are familiar for them might ease the transition. That could be a view from the window similar to one at their home, a favourite coffee shop nearby or a park that looks like the one they loved walking around.

Of course, pictures and familiar objects in room also important. I once worked in an old Victorian-style house that had been converted into a care home and we had a new resident in late stages of Alzheimer’s. His transition was surprisingly smooth and I understood why when his son told me that the house looks like the one he grew up in.

There is often a lot of life yet to live when a person is living with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. Their memory, cognitive and even physical abilities change over time, but so many of their personality traits often remain the same. Your willingness to appreciate their personality, along with gentle support of the person’s strengths, and providing opportunities to enjoy these small activities together, make a big difference over the years of the journey.

Olga Lavrenyuk

Registered Nurse, Calgary

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Does Olga's story spark any ideas for you? Got any ideas you'd like to share?

We're all ears!

Send us your thoughts:) stillme@alzheimercalgary.ca