Other types of activities that may not be as fun for the child, but are still great ideas, are those that make the Alzheimer’s patient feel particularly useful – after all, that’s another boost to their esteem, and every little boost helps. Activities that make the patient feel helpful include simple things, like watering the garden, raking the leaves or folding the clothes. Each of these activities has also no doubt been repeated several times in the patient’s life, so they’ll be slightly easier for them to do than something they’ve only done a couple times. Make sure that you give them an area of responsibility, even if it is miniscule. Also, be prepared to adapt in case the patient is unable to handle the responsibility you’ve placed on them. Always make sure you have a back up plan, something else that is simpler for them to do.

The point of the activities for both the child and the patient are to give him or her relaxation, pleasure, or both. Even though the patient will soon forget the moment, it still should be enjoyed. The social interaction with the child will only help this, and if they’re with the child, the patient may even feel a little extra responsibility, which can be a good thing.

Make sure all the activities have meaning to the patient. If they used to knit a lot, they can knit now; it will just have to be something simpler. If he or she was a carpenter, they can still complete smaller projects with the aid of a child, as long as the project has been simplified. You have to try and find some common ground between both the child and the patient – something the patient once enjoyed, and something the child does enjoy. This positive atmosphere will help them both feel more relaxed.

It can be hard to think up activities for a person with Alzheimer’s, especially when a child is involved. You just have to try to remember who that person is – essentially what their core is – and figure out what activities they liked. Simplify the activity, and both the child and the patient are bound to have a good time.

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