Celebrating Mother’s Day calls for creativity, adaptability, and an extra measure of thoughtfulness to ensure safety without sacrificing the warmth and appreciation this day deserves. With traditional gatherings and outings potentially limited, finding meaningful ways to honor the mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures in our lives becomes an opportunity to connect in new and memorable ways. This guide offers a collection of…
As a caregiver, getting outside to enjoy fresh air and sunshine is a great way to feel good. Nature can lift our mood, reduce stress, and provide a refreshing change of scenery. While leaving the house with an older adult may require extra planning, the benefits of the outdoors are endless. If you’re ready to enjoy the sunshine with your loved one, read…
When the weather outside is frightful, older adults and their families are looking for safe ways to have fun at home. To keep people of all ages from getting bored, restless, or agitated, we’ve put together a huge list of free virtual experiences. These experiences include observing animals in zoos and their natural habitats around the world; a wide variety of live…
Voting is a right for all American citizens, regardless of age or physical ability. But in-person voting isn’t always feasible. The John A. Hartford Foundation discusses why absentee (mail-in) and early voting are essential for enabling seniors and family caregivers to cast their ballots. (For local voting options & info, visit Vote411.org) The right to vote is central to the American identity,…
Coloring prevents boredom and has health benefits Boredom in older adults can contribute to issues such as anxiety, depression, or challenging behavior in someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Plus, seniors who have recently moved in with relatives or into assisted living are more likely to feel bored because their lifestyles have changed significantly. As a bonus, coloring may sound like a simple…
Aging shouldn’t mean giving up comfort or independence, yet everyday tasks can become frustrating for seniors with limited mobility, arthritis, or fatigue. The good news? Simple, affordable products can make a world of difference.
For seniors with dementia, traditional storytelling can feel frustrating when memories fade, but TimeSlips flips the script by celebrating imagination instead of facts. This innovative, evidence-based activity uses open-ended images to spark creative group stories, where every contribution is valued and there are no wrong answers. Perfect for all stages of dementia, TimeSlips reduces anxiety, boosts self-expression, and creates joyful connections between…
Engaging activities help seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia Everyone needs to feel engaged and entertained. Just because someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia doesn’t mean that need disappears. Because of their cognitive decline, how seniors get that engagement may have to change. Activities with no right or wrong are highly recommended because they’re fun, satisfying, and give a much-needed sense of accomplishment. These type of activities…
Music is great for seniors with dementia Music benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia in many ways. Multiple research studies confirm this and documentaries like Alive Inside allow us to witness music’s amazing effect on older adults. Music has even been shown to be more effective than medication in boosting mood, reducing anxiety and agitation, and increasing happiness and engagement – even…
Soft toys bring comfort to seniors with dementia When someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may frequently become anxious or agitated. An effective, drug-free way to calm and soothe is to give them a soft toy they can cuddle and interact with. We share some wonderful lifelike robotic pets and explain how they help seniors with dementia, the benefits of a faux…
