For many seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, not being able to enjoy some of the things they once loved to do can be frustrating. By playing games and staying mentally active, your elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s can feel successful and find a sense of purpose. Here is a list of fun games to stimulate the brain.
1. Bingo
Everyone can enjoy bingo, and it’s an appropriate game for seniors who aren’t in the last stages of Alzheimer’s, as severe cognitive decline may limit the ability to participate. Bingo is not only fun, but it can also increase alertness and awareness, since it requires recognizing the colors and shapes on the cards.
2. Computer Games
The internet has a variety of games seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can play, such as Smart Brain, which provides stimulation to attention and memory. Nintendo and Posit Science make similar products (Brain Age and Brain Fitness, respectively) that have also proven to be therapeutic for those with Alzheimer’s.
Researching different mentally stimulating activities and making the necessary arrangements for seniors can be an overwhelming task. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3. Picture Games
Picture games can be a great way to stimulate the memory by reminiscing. To play this game, print out various pictures of familiar images, place them on the table upside down, and take turns naming a specific picture for other players to find. This can trigger conversations and emotions that boost memory.
4. Memory Cards
Memory card games can jog the memory of seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s by encouraging them to recollect different things and people through trivia or images. These games can also increase concentration and hand-eye coordination. Some examples you can play with your loved one include What’s Missing? and Trivial Pursuit.
Aging adults with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from receiving professional Alzheimer’s care. Roseville seniors need regular mental stimulation when managing memory-related conditions, and a reliable in-home caregiver who has extensive training in Alzheimer’s care can be a great asset.
5. Taste Testing
The point of this game is to not only have fun but also to evoke memories through taste and smell. This can be a chance to bring your family and friends together to tell stories, have fun, and share in some laughter, with everyone working toward triggering your loved one’s memory. Some of the foods you could use for the tasting game include chocolate, familiar holiday treats or family recipes, various flavors of tea, and fruit salads.
A compassionate professional caregiver can be a fantastic game-playing partner for your loved one. Roseville in-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. If you’re looking for high-quality senior home care services for your loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.