Some older persons may have a need for simpler activities.
Some may need help staying connected to the world around them. A caregiver can help by keeping things simple and helping them increase awareness of their environment.
For persons needing simpler activities:
- Break down the activity into simple steps.
- For those with short attention spans, shorten the activity.
- An older person may need to watch AND hear how to do something.
- If something doesn’t work, try something else. Sometimes it’s trial and error.
For persons needing sensory or connecting to the world around them:
- Point out things that might be of interest such as bright colors, objects, nature, people, or anything that’s in their immediate environment.
- What in the environment can you taste, smell, hear, see, or feel? Are there cinnamon rolls baking that you can smell and taste? Is there a window to watch the neighborhood squirrels? Is there music playing on a CD player? What does the new plush throw blanket feel like? Point out the sensory all around.
- Balance the sensory as needed. Too much stimulation can overload and frustrate someone.
Check below for simple and sensory activity ideas.
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