Brain and Mind Exercise Activities – Ideas for Games

Elderly Parents Brain and Mind Exercise Activities – Ideas for Games 

Playing games with elderly parents who have dementia is beneficial in more ways than one.

Games can help lighten the spirit of a senior struggling with dementia, and games can also help to keep their mind agile.The brain is a muscle and to stay sharp it needs regular exercise. When choosing games for this purpose it is important for the game to be easy to play, but you don't want to insult the seniors by choosing games designed for children. The following ten games may help to keep the aging mind sharp.

Dominoes

Dominoes - an ideal game to play with someone who has dementia. The game is familiar to most and fairly easy to teach elderly parents and easy for them to play. In addition to this, the game can easily be modified to meet the needs of the individual playing. Dominoes can help a person with dementia stay sharp with numbers and concepts like matching.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a great activity for elderly parents to keep the aging mind agile. Puzzles help with problem solving, matching and coordination. It is important to make sure the puzzles you choose are appropriate for a person with dementia. The more advanced a person's dementia is the fewer pieces a puzzle should have. Additionally, make sure you avoid choosing children's puzzles because it can be viewed as not challenging.

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles are ideal for people with mild to moderate symptoms of dementia. Crossword puzzles can be purchased in small or large print to accommodate any physical disability. They can also be purchased in themes so you can select puzzles that are familiar to the person with dementia.

Chess

Chess is an excellent game for people with early onset dementia. It requires planning and strategy, so it really helps exercise the brain. However, people with moderate to severe dementia may not be capable of playing a game as complicated as chess.

Checkers

Checkers is an ideal game for people who have dementia. The game has basic rules that are easy to remember, and it requires them to use some basic strategizing. This game can replace chess for many people with dementia once their symptoms begin to accelerate.

Bridge

Card games like bridge are great for people with dementia. First and foremost, card games can be adapted because you can buy cards in different sizes to accommodate physical limitations. The game of bridge works the brain because it requires strategy and math, not to mention it can be social.

Sudoku

Like crossword puzzles, Sudoku helps exercise the brain and keep the mind agile. Sudoku can also be purchased in large or small print. Sudoku is very popular so it is easy to find puzzles of varying skill levels. Sudoku goes one step beyond crossword puzzles because it also incorporates math into the problem solving.

Scrabble

Scrabble is an excellent game to exercise the mind, maintain word recognition, and infuse social activity into the lives of individuals with dementia. In fact, scrabble can also help improve memory and vocabulary when played on a regular basis.

Word Search

Games in which you have to find and circle certain words are ideal for people with early dementia. Word search puzzles help maintain word recognition, and they keep the mind active. Like crossword puzzles and Sudoku you can purchase these puzzles in multiple themes and print sizes to tailor to the individuals needs.

Bingo

Bingo is a fun, exciting, and social game for groups of elderly parents. It helps with focus, and number recognition. Bingo also has easy instructions so it can be played by people with varying degrees of dementia.

Depression in Seniors

Depression in seniors can be hard to understand but it does exist. As people get older they find that the kids don’t need them like they use to, their careers are now replaced with retirement, and all that time that they have free now is filled with empty days and nights. At first it may be exciting to have all that free time but it soon wears down a person inside, especially if they are used to the everyday pace of life.

Understanding depression is very important for anyone working or living with seniors. Everyone becomes sad or lonely sometimes, this is normal. But when someone is depressed it goes much deeper than the normal sadness even you may experience. When someone is truly depressed they experience such symptoms as their normal activity, physical being and appearance, their way of thinking, or their behavior. Depression can cause muscle aches that won’t go away, loss of interest in activities that they normally enjoy, and the feeling of being empty.

Depression shouldn’t be diagnosed right away due to the fact that the person may not be suffering from depression and just has a simple case of the blues. But for those who experience any of the following symptoms for more than a couple of weeks should see their doctor.

• Feeling empty
• No interest in what usually makes them happy
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Feeling of not being worthy
• Feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or helpless
• Crying uncontrollably
• Aches and pains that keep reoccurring after seeing a doctor
• Unable to tolerate being around people
• Either thoughts of suicide or actually attempting suicide

It’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible to diagnose depression and to find out how you can live with the symptoms. You can also improve the condition or completely overcome depression with the help of a professional. Originally your family physician can see you and recommend treatment or even refer you to a professional that can help with depression.

It’s important to find out what is causing your depression and that will be the goal of the professional. If you are already taking medication one of the side effects of some medication is depression so your doctor may simply need to change your medication. Other people may be depressed due to their current financial status, friends or family problems, a death in the family or of a friend, and more. Once your doctor finds out the cause of your depression you can face the problem head on and conquer it. Results cannot normally be felt immediately but it will happen.

Seniors with depression will normally turn away from family or friends who want to help. But that is because they want to be left alone. As a caregiver it is important to be patient and stay with them even when they don’t necessarily want you to. Your persistence will pay off. Depression can affect everyone around you but only you can stop it.

Home Safety!

Eliminate risks for injury in the home to prolong health and independence!

 

What are some things that can be done to maintain a safe home environment?

❖ Remove throw rugs from walkways.
❖ Use a cooking timer, especially if you leave the kitchen while the stove/oven is on.
❖ Keep all flammable items away from the stove, including shirt sleeves and towels.
❖ Place frequently used items within easy reach by rearranging shelves and counters.
❖ Take your time getting in or out of the tub or shower. Use a non-skid bathmat.
❖ Keep phones and emergency numbers in every room of the house..
❖ Keep the house brightly lit: use the right wattage bulbs and nightlights.
❖ If you live alone, stay in contact with a neighbor or relative on a regular basis.
❖ Use a pill organizer to keep track of daily medications, or keep a daily pill journal.
❖ Call your physician if you do not feel well or if you have questions about meds.
❖ If you use a walker, do not carry items — use a rolling cart, walker basket or bag.
❖ Ensure your electrical cords are not tripping hazards.
❖ Never stand on an chair, box or other unstable object to reach something.
❖ Never put anything on the stairway. Take your time on the stairs.

If you have any concerns about safety in your home, call your local in-home healthcare organization today and ask for an in-home assessment.  Looking for a Home Healthcare provider?  Check out www.bestlocalhomehealthcare.com for the BEST in your local area!

How to Prevent Falls

Falls are the #1 fear of aging adults and the #1 independence robber
The fear of falling is not unfounded. Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. The best thing you can do is learn how to prevent falls.

More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year.
The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.
Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.
A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resulting injuries.

Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility. At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home. The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care. About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home. Most falls do not result in serious injury. However, there is often a psychological impact. Approximately 25 percent of community-dwelling people 75 or over unnecessarily restrict their activities because of fear of falling. There are proven strategies that can reduce your risk for falls and help you live a longer, healthier life.

There are many factors to consider on how to prevent falls at home.

Are you taking medications that may be making you dizzy?
Are you taking sleeping medication?
Are taking medications that make you get up to use the bathroom frequently and cause you to get up in the middle of the night?
Do you feel as if your balance is off at times?
Have fallen or almost fallen?
Do you find your self holding onto the furniture or walls when you walk?

Take time to discuss these issues with your physician. Request an evaluation be done by a physical therapist to assess your risk for falling and make recommendations on changes you may need to make.

The physical therapist can also make a home assessment to make recommendations to make your home safer and more “fall proof.” It is important to have both the inside and outside of the home assessed.

Some safety factors to address in minimizing falls are:

• Improving lighting
• Installing handrails and grab bars
• Moving items so that they are easier to reach.
• Slip-resistant floors. Use nonskid mats under rugs or attach rugs to the floor with double sided tape. Use no skid wax on waxed floors at home.
• Using a low or leveled threshold in the door area where the elderly are likely to trip.
• Using low-pile carpeting, so a walker doesn't get caught in low-piles which will prevent the person from falling.
• Making sure carpeting and rugs are not worn and torn
• Removing small loose rugs, even with non skid mats should not be in traffic areas of the home
• Having no rugs or mats in the bathroom. The bathroom flooring is a matte finish and slip resistant when wet.
• Ensuring there is sufficient lighting all long all stairways. Railings should be provided on either side of the stairs, as it makes climbing up and down easier. This way the stairs will be safe.
• All rooms should be well lit as dark rooms can lead to accidental falls.
• Especially having entrances should be very well lit. Night lights should be placed throughout the house.
• Ensuring there is a place to keep keys, Shopping items, mail or anything else that the aging adult maybe carrying to the entrance of the house. Place a table or a basket near the door to place these things in and on.
• Electrical cords are placed out of the flow of traffic and out from under rugs and furniture
• Flooring should be non slippery and have a non glare surface or wall to wall low pile carpet
• Chairs and sofas should be safe and secure - they should not be too low or too deep to be able to get out of easily
• Having no clutter , a clear pathway and enough space to walk through the room
• Having a lamp or flashlight are within easy reach from your bed.
• Having plenty of room for you to walk around your bed.
• Having a night stand bedside the bed so you can easily reach the telephone, place your glasses or other important items
• Having a sturdy chair with arms in your bedroom so that you can dress.
• Making sure steps and walkways outside are in good condition and have good lighting
• Having phones in every room of the house and keep emergency numbers by all of them.

How to prevent falls actions you can take

• Exercise: Older people who fall often reduce their activity, because they fear falling. However, it is especially important for them to keep up their physical activity. Regular aerobic exercise is associated with increased life expectancy, increased independence and reduced risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, hip fractures, and depression. “Mall Walking” where people exercise in shopping malls, is becoming increasingly popular among aging adults and is good exercise in a safe environment. Regular exercise will keep your muscles strong and joints flexible. Keeping as active as possible can make falls less likely. Regular physical activity, e.g. brisk walking, housework, dancing or keep fit classes, helps to improve your balance.
• Take Calcium and Vitamin D: Women should take calcium (1,500 mg/day) and Vitamin D (750 U) to strengthen bone and reduce the risk of hip fractures (by as much as 40 percent).
• Be selective about your footwear: Foot problems or inappropriate footwear can contribute to falls and injury. The best shoes are walking shoes with flat soles, such as sneakers. Discard poorly fitting shoes or slippers and don't wear high heels. Avoid trailing clothes which may trip you up.
• Do your daily activities in a safe manner, such as reaching and bending properly, taking time to recover balance when rising from a chair or bed.
• Learning the proper way to fall, and learning how to recover after a fall is something you can talk to your physical therapist.
• Have your vision checked Use color and contrast to define balance-aiding objects in the home (e.g., grab bars and handrails). Add contrasting color strips to first and last steps to identify change of level. Clean eye glasses often to improve visibility.
• Know your medications and side effects- people taking multiple medications are at greater risk of falling. 
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• What to do if you fall
  
  It is difficult to do, but try to remain calm. Take a deep breath and try to focus. Do not move until you are calm and can determine if you are injured. If you move too quickly you may make the injury worse. Roll over on your side and try to get to a seated position.
  
  If this is not possible, or you think you are injured ask someone to call for help or call 911.
  
  Technology that can help
  
  Consider getting a personal medical emergency device. Consider this, once an aging adult has fallen and waited hours for help to find them, they lose a portion of their self-confidence, and they start to become afraid and start to limit their activity.
  
  The best time to protect a loved one with a medical alert device is prior to any problem.
  
  A loved one can remain living independently in their own home far longer by having a system in place that will get them help when they need it. Peace of mind for the aging adult and their families is priceless.