Socializing Alzheimer’s Patients
Socializing Alzheimer’s Patients
First off, utilizing our professional caregivers allows you to fully “socialize” both your loved one and yourself. Before we focus on how to socialize with your loved one it’s important to understand that YOU, the family caregiver, needs to take time for socialization also.
Facts & Research – Socializing Alzheimer’s Patients & Aging Well
Socialization produces positive effects for successful aging and a healthier mindset as we age. It is also a vital part in maintaining brain health for those who have Alzheimer’s or other health issues that produce the symptom of dementia.
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- Research Based
- Research has confirmed the importance of remaining socially active as we age. Those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s based dementia are proven to have positive outcomes from remaining socially active also.
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- Combination of Actions
- Diet, exercise, and social interaction have all proven to provide positive effects against dementia & aging. However, current research confirms that the combination of these actions together is more powerful than focusing on just one of these proactive measures on its own.
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- Minimal Socialization Makes a Difference
- The Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society published research that confirms even minimal amounts of socialization will produce positive effects.
Tips for Socializing Alzheimer’s Patients
Remember that socializing Alzheimer’s patients does not necessarily mean having to be surrounded by a lot of people. Having a social “event” can be between you and your loved one or you and just 1 or 2 family members.
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- Choose the Right Surroundings
- Where you decide to enjoy your time together is important. Depending on where your loved one is with their symptoms is a key factor also. If you are choosing a public area pick a time when the location has a low volume of visitors.
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- Limit Times
- Shorter trips will be less overwhelming.
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- Timing is Important
- Often Alzheimer’s patients will suffer from sundowner’s syndrome. You will want to avoid choosing typical times when your loved one experiences sundowners so you can enjoy your time without confrontation.
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- Types of Places to Go
- Many people think in terms of where they used to frequent and want to reenact those times. Unfortunately your current situation is different from then and may require you to find new places to enjoy. Ideas include:
- Library
- Restaurants with limited choices, during “off” hours when crowds are thinner
- Picnic at a local park (Beaches & pools aren’t recommended because of the common fear of water)
- Visiting close friends & relatives who are aware of the Alzheimer’s
These tips for socializing with Alzheimer’s patients depend upon what stage the patient is in and how well they are doing at the particular time of going out to enjoy the social event.
Key Points to Remember When Socializing Alzheimer’s Patients
- Safety is always first & foremost.
- Timing can make a big difference between enjoying your socialization and becoming frustrated.
- Think outside of the box. Places and activities that you once enjoyed may no longer be a good choice.
- Keep things simple and don’t have expectations for the day.
- Remember to explain that you’re dealing with a person who has dementia and may require special attentions.
- Focus on short times of enjoying time together and stimulating the minds of the dementia patient. Quality beats quantity.
Our goal is help you, your family & friends enjoy the time they have with your loved one. Our specialized Alzheimer’s & dementia caregivers can be exceptionally helpful in socializing Alzheimer’s patients.