Articles on Family | Topics: family, families, familial
by Nandini Valentine
It's hard enough for kids to understand exactly what Alzheimer's is, and what it does, and it's even harder for them to stay involved with whomever it is that is afflicted with Alzheimer's. However, there are several activities out there that both kids and the Alzheimer's victim can enjoy.
Firstly, you must know what to look for in an activity. There are a few things each activity should include. To start with, they should compensate for any abilities that the person with Alzheimer's may have lost. Second, any activity that is created must promote self-esteem. Although they may be losing their memory, patients with Alzheimer's still need to feel that they have some worth to somebody, and activities are an ideal way to show this. Activities should be very socially oriented, providing a rare chance for an Alzheimer's patient to interact with those around them. This will also allow the child to act with the patient in some way, improving their relationship. Experts in this field, say that activities should not include those things that may involve the patient learning something new. You should never spotlight the limits of the patient, as that will cripple their self-esteem, and be completely counter-productive to the activity.
When you're thinking of an activity, remember to consider what made that person special prior to their bout with Alzheimer's. For example, some people are immaculately dressed, so try to figure out a way for the activity to focus on that. That will help boost the Alzheimer's patient's self-esteem.
Any activity that you decide on should attempt to re-establish old roles. For example, if someone was a fantastic piano player, maybe try putting him or her in front of a piano to play for a bit. They could play something simple with the child, allowing them to interact socially, and further their relationship, while at the same time building the self-esteem of the Alzheimer's patient.
| Bit of History |
If family violence teaches children that might makes right at home, how will we hope to cure the futile impulse to solve worldly conflicts with force?
| —Letty Cottin Pogrebin (20th century) |
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Other types of activities that may not be as fun for the child, but are still great ideas, are those that make the Alzheimer's patient feel particularly useful – after all, that's another boost to their esteem, and every little boost helps. Activities that make the patient feel helpful include simple things, like watering the garden, raking the leaves or folding the clothes. Each of these activities has also no doubt been repeated several times in the patient's life, so they'll be slightly easier for them to do than something they've only done a couple times. Make sure that you give them an area of responsibility, even if it is miniscule. Also, be prepared to adapt in case the patient is unable to handle the responsibility you've placed on them. Always make sure you have a back up plan, something else that is simpler for them to do.
The point of the activities for both the child and the patient are to give him or her relaxation, pleasure, or both. Even though the patient will soon forget the moment, it still should be enjoyed. The social interaction with the child will only help this, and if they're with the child, the patient may even feel a little extra responsibility, which can be a good thing.
Make sure all the activities have meaning to the patient. If they used to knit a lot, they can knit now; it will just have to be something simpler. If he or she was a carpenter, they can still complete smaller projects with the aid of a child, as long as the project has been simplified. You have to try and find some common ground between both the child and the patient – something the patient once enjoyed, and something the child does enjoy. This positive atmosphere will help them both feel more relaxed.
It can be hard to think up activities for a person with Alzheimer's, especially when a child is involved. You just have to try to remember who that person is – essentially what their core is – and figure out what activities they liked. Simplify the activity, and both the child and the patient are bound to have a good time.
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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Activities for Kids to do with Family Members that Have Alzheimer's" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com. |
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