St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching. For seniors dealing with dementia, one of the most frustrating things they often experience is the inability to do things or celebrate the holidays like they use to. The following creative St. Patrick's Day activities will challenge not frustrate your senior loved with dementia while giving them the chance to have fun and feel successful:
Singing
Have a fun time belting out familiar Irish songs with your family and aging adult with dementia. Skip over asking your senior if they remember the songs, and simply begin singing them and you'll be amazed at how much they will be able to sing-a-long with you. Some song suggestions for your Irish celebration include "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and "Smiling and Wild Irish Rose." Music activities will help seniors with dementia build self-esteem.
Shamrock Bingo …show more content…
Patrick's Day spirit by hosting a themed bingo game for them and their closest friends. You can find free printable paper holiday cards online. When choosing your cards, avoid ones with intricate designs because they could confuse an older person with dementia. Pick cards with only a few squares and that have recognizable pictures like rainbows and a pot of gold. Also, make sure the cards don't have numbers or words on them. Write the object featured in each square on separate pieces of paper, then fold them, and put them in a bowl or basket. Seniors can use pens or coins to mark their squares. It's also a good idea to have someone with your senior just in case they need help with recognizing the objects on their cards as they're called out. Having a helper will save them from experiencing any frustration should they become unable to identify an object. When the game is over, serve everyone green ice cream or cupcakes. Playing an exciting game of holiday-themed bingo will help activate a senior's brain and enhance their eye-hand
Singing
Have a fun time belting out familiar Irish songs with your family and aging adult with dementia. Skip over asking your senior if they remember the songs, and simply begin singing them and you'll be amazed at how much they will be able to sing-a-long with you. Some song suggestions for your Irish celebration include "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and "Smiling and Wild Irish Rose." Music activities will help seniors with dementia build self-esteem.
Shamrock Bingo …show more content…
Patrick's Day spirit by hosting a themed bingo game for them and their closest friends. You can find free printable paper holiday cards online. When choosing your cards, avoid ones with intricate designs because they could confuse an older person with dementia. Pick cards with only a few squares and that have recognizable pictures like rainbows and a pot of gold. Also, make sure the cards don't have numbers or words on them. Write the object featured in each square on separate pieces of paper, then fold them, and put them in a bowl or basket. Seniors can use pens or coins to mark their squares. It's also a good idea to have someone with your senior just in case they need help with recognizing the objects on their cards as they're called out. Having a helper will save them from experiencing any frustration should they become unable to identify an object. When the game is over, serve everyone green ice cream or cupcakes. Playing an exciting game of holiday-themed bingo will help activate a senior's brain and enhance their eye-hand