Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by a decline in cognitive function, memory loss, and behavioural changes that can make daily activities challenging.
For people living with dementia, engaging in activities that stimulate their senses, promote social interaction, and encourage physical movement can help improve their quality of life.
In this blog post, we will explore dementia-friendly activities in the New Forest, that caregivers and loved ones can participate in with their loved ones living with dementia.
The New Forest National Park is a beautiful place to go for a walk and take in the natural scenery. The park has over 140 miles of well-marked walking trails that range from easy to challenging. Walking helps to improve circulation, promote physical activity, and reduce anxiety in people with dementia.
Caregivers and loved ones can go with their loved ones on a walk, and they can take their time to enjoy the scenery, spot wildlife, and breathe in the fresh air.
Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practise that involves spending time in nature and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.
It has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Caregivers and loved ones can take their loved ones to a designated forest bathing area in the New Forest and help them engage in mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, and sensory activities that promote relaxation.
Art therapy is a creative form of therapy that involves using art materials to help individuals express themselves and explore their emotions.
For people living with dementia, art therapy can help to stimulate their senses, improve their mood, and reduce anxiety. Caregivers and loved ones can take their loved ones to art therapy classes in the New Forest, where they can create art pieces, explore different art forms, and interact with other people.
Music has been shown to have a positive effect on people living with dementia. It can help to improve mood, reduce agitation, and stimulate memory recall.
Caregivers and loved ones can take their loved ones to music therapy sessions in the New Forest, where they can listen to music, play instruments, and sing along to their favourite songs and maybe a little dance.
Memory cafes are community-based settings where people with dementia and their caregivers can meet, socialise, and engage in fun activities. Caregivers and loved ones can take their loved ones to memory cafes in the New Forest, where they can participate in quizzes, board games, and other social activities.
Gardening is a therapeutic activity that can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and promote physical activity. Caregivers and loved ones can take their loved ones to gardening clubs in the New Forest, where they can plant flowers, vegetables, and herbs, and engage in other gardening-related activities. Or why not source your own allotment if you don’ t have a garden of your own?
Watching movies can be an enjoyable activity for people with dementia, as it can stimulate their memories, emotions, and senses. Caregivers and loved ones can take their loved ones to dementia-friendly cinema screenings in the New Forest, where the screenings are tailored to meet the needs of people with dementia. The screenings are designed to be less overwhelming, with lower volume and brighter lighting, and they often include intermissions and reminiscence activities.
FAQS
Q: What are dementia-friendly activities?
A: Dementia-friendly activities are activities that are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for people living with dementia. These activities are tailored to meet the specific needs and abilities of individuals with dementia, and they can help to stimulate their senses, promote social interaction, and encourage physical movement.
Q: What are some examples of dementia-friendly activities?
A: Some examples of dementia-friendly activities include walking and sightseeing, forest bathing, art therapy, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, memory cafes, gardening, cookery classes, craft classes, and cinema screenings.
Q: Why are dementia-friendly activities important?
A: Dementia can cause cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioural changes, which can make it difficult for people with dementia to engage in regular activities. Dementia-friendly activities can help to improve the quality of life for people with dementia by providing them with opportunities to stay engaged, active, and social.
Q: Can people with dementia participate in physical activities?
A: Yes, people with dementia can participate in physical activities, as long as the activities are tailored to their specific abilities and needs. Physical activities such as walking, gardening, and dancing can help to improve circulation, promote physical fitness, and reduce stress.