In seniors suffering from dementia, a gradual decline in mental viability can be observed. Depending on the form but also depending on the stage of dementia, short memory, language, motor skills as well as thinking ability can be affected. With various games, memory training but also employment offers, still existing abilities can be trained.According to estimates, about 1.2 million people in Germany suffer from dementia.
Dementia has many symptoms
Depending on the clinical picture, dementia can manifest itself in very different symptoms. In some cases, however, existing abilities are still fully developed or present in extracts. With an occupation offer particularly with dementia these abilities are to remain as long as possible. In addition, inactive abilities can possibly be reactivated through games for seniors, although this also depends on the individual form, stage and course of the dementia as well as on the respective needs of the person affected.
Often, not only the clinical picture of dementia is present, but physical deficits such as a disability are also present at the same time. Occupation in dementia, games or memory training should therefore fit the personality structure of the dementia patient, so that he is neither under nor overstrained.
Memory training as occupation with dementia
Games for seniors with dementia not only train the memory as well as the brain, but can also contribute to a social togetherness in a group, such as in a retirement home. In addition, games or memory training for dementia in particular offer a wonderful change in everyday life, and if used regularly on the same days of the week at the same times, also bring structure to the daily routine. This is important for dementia patients, as they can often forget or confuse the day of the week, current month or time.
Seasonal crafts, such as bunnies at Easter or stars at Christmas, can also help dementia patients find their bearings. In addition, the dementia patient’s own ego can be strengthened through games and activities, especially if he or she can achieve success. However, success is never about the end result of the occupation, but rather about the occupation itself.
Games for dementia patients
So the basis is not whether the painted picture is beautiful in the end, but that it was painted. A very important factor in offering games or occupation for dementia patients is that they do not seem childish, in no case should seniors with dementia get the feeling that they are not taken seriously. For many dementia patients, however, familiar games from childhood or occupations that fit their biography are pleasant. However, with all occupational activities for dementia, the current form of the day is also always decisive for success. Popular games to promote concentration and performance are:
- Board games (ludo, mill, checkers …)
- Card games (eg: Mau Mau)
- Memory with age-appropriate motifs
- Dice games
There are also games to remember, for example, “I pack my suitcase” or “City, country, river” or depending on the stage of dementia a suitable variant thereof. Large as well as handy game figures, legible, enlarged font for puzzles as well as game fields in concise, bright colors are more pleasant for seniors to handle than in the usual format.
Familiarity awakens memories in dementia
As well as music, dance and reading are appropriate activities for seniors with dementia. Dance or gymnastics can promote mobility as well as motor skills directly from the chair in case of physical deficits. Especially when singing well-known songs of the respective generation, sensations but also memories can be awakened, this also includes well-known poems, fairy tales or stories.
Depending on which activities seniors with dementia once pursued in their earlier lives, special games can be developed from this. For example, everyday office life can be re-enacted, and the dementia patient can then punch holes in papers, staple them together or sort them. The top priority in all games for seniors with dementia should be that they feel comfortable, this is an important prerequisite for the success of an occupation or dementia-friendly games.
