Commonly used by teachers, the Montessori method requires practitioners to consider the needs and capabilities of students when designing lessons that provide challenges without causing frustration. Gerontological psychologist Dr. Cameron Camp believes this technique may easily be modified to stimulate the senses of seniors with Alzheimer’s and help family caregivers interact with their aging loved ones.
The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis may be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges may be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Helps Seniors Retrieve Positive Memories
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often exhibit paranoia, suspicion, and other negative side effects that cause them to withdraw from others. While mental ability noticeably decreases in aging adults with Alzheimer’s, researchers know that affected seniors harbor memories from the past. Caregivers may use the Montessori method to bring these pleasant memories to the surface, which then encourages positive emotions and thoughts. For example, giving someone with Alzheimer’s a bouquet of freshly cut flowers might trigger memories of spring days when he or she enjoyed working in a flower garden.
If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a trusted provider of senior home care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Stimulates Muscle Memory
As Alzheimer’s progresses, some seniors forget how to perform basic activities, including dressing, bathing, and eating. Participating in certain activities may stimulate the brain to remember how to perform a variety of tasks. A small pile of clean towels may prompt a senior to fold the items, while another older adult might enjoy matching a pile of mismatched socks. Presenting seniors with baking ingredients in a kitchen might stimulate them to create special treats they commonly made for their families. Additional forms of engagement may include:
- Various puzzles based on degrees of cognitive ability
- A tub filled with PVC tubes and connectors
- Modified group games once enjoyed by seniors
- A selection of children’s musical instruments
- Crayons or water-based paints and age-appropriate coloring books or blank paper
By encouraging seniors with Alzheimer’s to engage in these activities, they not only enjoy the tasks but also come away with a sense of accomplishment. When memories are stimulated, seniors may share their stories with others and foster a healthy social life with friends and family.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of in-home care. Cincinnati Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities offered by our caregivers to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care at 513-993-5025 today.
