Sensory Activities for Seniors with Dementia

by Kim Davies October 31, 2022

As people age, their exterior sensitivity decreases. They are less sensitive to touch and have poor vision and hearing. In dementia patients, this could lead to a prolonged state of mental pain and agitation.

Dementia is a term used to describe the condition in which a person's brain has been damaged by disease, injury, or another change in function.

Memory, language skills, attention span, predicted behavior, and personality all have the potential to degrade. As a result, people cannot do what they used to and may require assistance with daily duties.

In people with dementia, essential perceptions such as smell and taste deteriorate. A person who has lost their sense of smell will be unable to notice burned toast in the toaster. Older people may swallow contaminated food due to a reduced sense of taste.

The sense of touch is crucial to general well-being. An aged person who has lost their sense of communication cannot tell whether something is hot or cold. Physical contact is significant for interpersonal relationships. The decline may lead to elders feeling lonely and isolated.

Here are ways how sensory activities are essential for seniors with dementia:

1. They Can Relax and Feel Safe

Seniors with dementia may not recognize their surroundings. They may not identify familiar personnel or family members. The sensory system is the primary input in memory and can help them feel more comfortable.

An elderly patient may feel anxious and unsafe because of their loss of sensitivity. Sensitive touch can support a person's confidence and help them feel safe and relaxed.

2. Allows Elders to Recall past Events and Memories

A patient's sensory system is the primary route of memory. Sensory input can be a unique method of remembering past events or events of the distant past.

An aged person may have limited memory. This may mean that sensory stimulation is helpful to help them remember. Sensory input can benefit the elderly because it can help them recall events and memories from the past.

3. Encourages Healthy Social Interaction

Social interactions may be complex when a person's sense of touch declines. A person with an active sense of communication may be able to help or support a person with dementia with daily tasks. When the older person has a playful sense of touch, they might be able to give a hug.

A person with a decreased sense of touch may be more likely to be more sensitive and vulnerable to others. Sensory input may support older adults' interactions with others and help them feel more confident.

4. Improve Focus and Cognitive Function

A person with dementia or an aging friend or family member you care about may have difficulty paying attention. Sensory activities can help them focus better.

A person with dementia may experience a lack of connection with their daily environment. They may be unable to distinguish reality from hallucinations.

Sensory stimulation can help older people feel things from their environment. They can be more aware of the world around them, even when their memory is not good.

5. It Encourages Better Sleep

As people get older, they tend to sleep less. A person with dementia may be able to sleep for fewer hours a day and experience more difficulty falling back to sleep.

Sensory stimulation can help the elderly feel refreshed when they wake up. This can improve physical and mental health. Sensory stimulation can also help them feel more relaxed. This can make dementia symptoms less severe.

Conclusion

When people experience a sensory loss, they may be tempted to retreat. Sensory input can help them return to the outside world and feel more connected to the world around them.

Ways to improve the senses of elderly individuals is to stimulate the senses by providing tactile and visual stimulation by using various pillows or activities to keep their attention on you.

You can help the elderly stimulate their sense and get them into exercise with the best leg exerciser for the elderly. Communicate with us here at HearGlow to learn more about how to improve the quality of life for your seniors today!