Memory Games and In Home Care for the Elderly
Going to school is something the vast majority has in common. Walking into class for the first time with your backpack strapped on and your bagged lunch in hand is a memory that you share with many. This includes your aging loved one. Have you ever asked your senior about their favorite school memories? Why not start today? Discussing school memories can help your aging loved one remember their school days as well as the lessons they learned back in the day.
There are moments when remembering simple facts can be tricky. This is normal for most people from time to time. As we age, this can become something that happens more often than not. It is important to treat our brains like our muscles. Without daily exercise, like muscles, the brain can lose its strength and memory loss is possible. There are many ways to exercise the mind to keep it in tip-top shape.
If your senior loved one was really involved in a particular subject in school and seemed to really enjoy it, ask them about their A+ projects. This will help them remember their proudest memories from school and to boost their confidence to continue learning. Just because your senior loved one is no longer school age does not mean that they have to stop learning. Remind them of the parts of school they enjoyed and aim to find activities that can reinvigorate the part of them that strives to succeed and excel in subjects they love.
If your senior loved one is a fan of word games and puzzles usually found in the newspaper, perhaps a daily delivery would be a wonderful morning reminder to exercise the mind. If grandchildren receive magazines that challenge the reader to look for what’s missing or find the differences in the pictures, those would be great mind-exercise tools for your senior loved one. If your loved one uses a smartphone, try introducing them to some apps geared toward memory that would provide an alternative to magazines and newspapers. No matter how the games are played, it is very helpful to play every day to keep the mind sharp.
When it comes to memory games for seniors, it doesn’t have to be overly involved. Simply switching hands when doing routine chores can be stimulating to the mind. Read the grocery list, hide it, and see how many items can be recalled without looking. Doodle and jot down memories and thoughts in a journal. Attempt math without a calculator or pencil. Try to find a way to challenge the mind, even in small ways, each and every day.
If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home care for the elderly and the many benefits of professional senior care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Riverside to speak to a senior care specialist today 951-248-0543! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Riverside provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Riverside.