As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we often struggle with adapting activities to their changing abilities. Through our experiences, and what we’ve learned from others on their caregiving journeys, Nancy Treaster and I developed three important tips to help you create meaningful engagement that honors who our care receivers are today. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: [email protected], [email protected] Additional Resources Mentioned Other The Caregiver’s Journey podcast mentioned Home Safety here These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. Large plastic rings child's toy that center screws into base hereAdult coloring book hereDementia friendly puzzle hereLavender lotion hereBead maze hereFidget blanket herePhoto giftsShutterfly hereMemory Cafe example here Takeaways From the moment of diagnosis, we need to shift our focus from what our care receivers used to do to what brings them joy now. Tip 1: Adjust Our Expectations Our care receivers’ engagement and abilities change throughout their journey — even throughout each day. Key points: Let go of ‘before’ comparisonsLet go of outcomesWatch for signs of enjoyment or frustrationPay attention to new interestsAdapt activities to current abilitiesAccept different ways of engaging Tip 2: Prioritize Their Safety As we introduce or adapt activities, safety must be a primary concern, considering both cognitive and physical abilities. Key points: Consider vision changes and depth perception challengesAdapt activities to safely maintain independenceProvide appropriate supervision and get creative in places to find itMake creative adjustments to familiar activitiesCreate support networks for safety Tip 3: Create Engaging Activities Create activities to reflect their personal history, career, hobbies and interests, while engaging their senses. Whenever possible, engage multiple senses for a deeper connection and engagement. Key points: Engage their senses:• Touch (e.g.: fidget blankets, textured items)• Sound (e.g.: familiar music, calming sounds)• Smell (e.g.: familiar scents, cooking aromas)• Sight (e.g.: colorful objects, family photos)• Movement (e.g.: seated dancing, simple exercises)Create social connections through:• Small group activities• Religious or spiritual practices• Memory cafes• Senior center programs• Family gatherings When planning activities: Observe body language for signs of engagement or distressHave backup calming activities ready if they get agitatedRemember that watching can be a form of participationConsider “drip grief” (see bottom of post for definition) — both yours and theirsBe flexible and creative in your approachAccept help from others who want to support you Read Full Blog here

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