Alzheimer's Association offers tips for keeping people with dementia engaged during stay-at-home orders

Press release

The Alzheimer’s Association Montana Chapter has put out a press release saying finding ways to stay engaged and active during the COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be challenging for many Montanans, but it can be particularly difficult for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

To help caregivers engage their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of tips and resources, with some listed below.

More resources can be found on the association’s website at https://www.alz.org .

When thinking of how to help someone with dementia stay engaged during the pandemic, the release said, you can start by asking yourself these questions: What do they like to do? What are they able to do? And, what are they in the mood for today? Spending time with a loved one with Alzheimer’s and other dementia can remain meaningful and fun — especially if you take your cue from the person. 

Encourage involvement in daily life activities: Activities that help the individual feel like a valued part of the household — like setting the table and folding laundry — can provide a sense of success and accomplishment.

Be prepared to adjust and modify activities: Activities may need to be adjusted or modified to adhere to stay-at-home orders. Consider low-impact at-home workout videos. Play a game — checkers, cards or board games. Look at photo albums. 

Focus on individual enjoyment: A former office worker might enjoy activities that involve organizing, like putting coins in a holder, helping to assemble a mailing or making a to-do list. A former farmer or gardener may take pleasure in working in the yard.

Ask for help: Ask family members and friends for help with some non-contact chores, like putting the trash out, getting the mail or mowing the lawn. Consider meal and grocery delivery services.

The Alzheimer’s Association is offering expanded educational programs via telephone and online platforms. These no-cost, evidence-informed programs provide crucial information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias, effective communication techniques, understanding and responding to dementia-related behaviors and much more.  For a listing of available programs, send an email to [email protected] or call 406.252.3053.