Posts

5 Activities for Seniors with Dementia

help concept, special toned photo f/x, focus point selective

Connecting with others is an essential part of being human – and that remains the same when a person has dementia. We’re often asked, “What are good activities for dementia patients?”. There are still many ways you can continue to form connections and strengthen bonds with your loved one during this time.

People with dementia turn to long-term memories of their childhood. Their minds seem to only recall their younger years, and this is often where connections can be made. The next time you visit with your loved one, try one or more of the following activities to create a connection with them:

Look Through Photo Albums
Find up photo albums with pictures from your loved one’s childhood or young adulthood to connect with old memories. Past periodicals are another good option, particularly those that include many photos such as Life or Time magazines.

Make a Playlist
Download songs or set up a radio on Pandora that streams music from their teenage years. Many internet radio stations include everything from classic rock to big band sounds, their favorite music should be easy to find.

Go Through Old Cookbooks
In the past, women spent a great deal of their teenage years learning to cook and young adult years cooking for their families. Ask about the origins and different variations used in old family recipes. For even bettr results cook with those old family recipes and reap the rewards with your loved ones.

Enjoy Favorite Treats
Buy some candy or other treats that were common when your loved one was young. Many companies specialize in nostalgic candy where you can buy old favorites.

Visit and Connect with Animals
People who grew up on farms may enjoy an outing to a petting zoo or family farm where they can touch and talk to horses and other farm animals. Ask questions about animals, old pets, or what it was like for them to grow up on a farm. This is a great activity to involve grandchildren in.

Your loved one may seem different than the person you’ve always known, but they still deserve connection and companionship with you. You can strengthen that connection by applying these activities to enhance both of your lives. If your loved one needs help and you need assistance to make sure they are living a happy and productive life, contact us here. We can give you the Orchard difference.

5 Healthy Hobbies for Seniors

senior-hobbies-5Mental and social activities are just as critical as physical activities when it comes to ageing. And hobbies are an excellent way for seniors to become more active and engaged, which can improve their overall happiness. Here are a few of the Orchard activities and hobbies available:

1. Creating Art
Art is a great way to keep the brain stimulated and one of the best activities seniors can practice. Art can be especially beneficial when done in a social setting with friends and family. Art projects can include painting, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, or photography. Here at Orchard, we have numerous artistic activities for your loved one to participate in and a dedicated crafts area.

2. Playing Cards and Games
Your loved one can join in at the Orchard game room for fun activities and friendly competition. Participating in games and playing cards can both help keep your loved one’s mind sharp. Sudoku and crossword puzzles are also great ways to keep the brain fit.

3. Gardening
Gardening is a rewarding experience that is not only enjoyable but has many health and therapeutic benefits. It encourages independence while also increasing mobility and flexibility. Our Garden Club meets and plants herbs and flowers every week to keep the garden and your loved one healthy and growing.

4. Golfing
Orchard has an excellent putting green that’s great for both enthusiastic golfers and those who want to learn. Golf has many benefits, for example, improving flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and overall satisfaction.senio

5. Socialising
This is the most important hobby to list, conversing and socialising with others is essential to happiness and the Orchard Difference means that we are dedicated to your loved one’s happiness. We have weekly and monthly calendars full of activities, on/off grounds, that develop conversations and bonds between residents.

If you are looking for an assisted living home in the Tucker, Georgia area or just want to ask questions about what we offer and the Orchard Difference give us a call at 770-938-5600 or contact us here.

Tips for Seniors to Avoid Heat Stroke/Exhaustion

Ways-Seniors-Stay-Safe-in-Summer-Heat-01-pg-fullHot weather can be dangerous here in Georgia, and seniors are more inclined to its threat. Elderly heat stroke and heat exhaustion are real problems. There are several reasons for elderly heat vulnerability. A person’s ability to notice fluctuations in their body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adjust to heat or medication that can cause dehydration. Fortunately, only a few simple precautions are all that’s needed to keep safe.

Here are a few tips for keeping cool in hot weather:

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Dehydration is the root of many heat-related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Wear Weather Appropriate Clothes
When it’s hot out, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and consider a wide-brimmed hat.

Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours
When it’s the hottest outside, the best time to run errands or be outdoors is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature is cooler.

Relax and Take it Easy
Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out.

Watch the Local Heat Index
When there’s high humidity, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index can be found online or also on local TV and radio weather reports.