The number of Californians who have dementia is growing at a rapid pace; in fact, it is expected to almost double within the next two decades. If someone you know has begun to exhibit the signs of dementia, getting professional help for the condition is crucial. Such signs may include loss of memory, as well as impaired skills in focusing, reasoning, language, and general communication. Subtler changes, such as moodiness, confusion, and apathy, may also indicate the onset of dementia.

Once you realize that an elder in your life has begun to manifest this health issue, you can take steps to help that person. One aspect of dealing with dementia is staying active; this might encompass a vast array of possibilities. From taking a class to playing with grandchildren to cooking with friends, your client or relative might choose from numerous activities for seniors with dementia in Orange County, California.

Community Classes

Orange County, California offers a broad range of continuing and adult education classes. The senior you’re caring for might enjoy taking an arts and crafts class, such as knitting, photography, or landscape painting. All of these activities can stimulate brain activity as well as the creative spirit. Other possible classes might include a basic computer course, beginning yoga, or a conversational course in a different language.

Local Senior Center

Another option for seniors with dementia is to get involved with one of the Orange County Senior Centers or other local groups for seniors. Such organizations have a great deal to offer elders with mental and physical health conditions. One example is the Laguna Beach Seniors group, which organizes fundraising events like holiday luncheons and fashion shows for seniors. Participating in such activities can help an elder to feel useful and needed, and this may be vital to a person who has lost some cognitive function. Instead of feeling frightened and uncertain about the future, an individual who is surrounded by other active seniors is more likely to feel confident and enthusiastic about life.

Time With Grandchildren

Scientific research now indicates that elderly people who spend time with their grandchildren may actually experience better cognitive function. An Australian study showed that women who interacted with their grandchildren one day per week were more likely to stay mentally acute. While the study focused on grandmothers, it is probably a logical assumption that spending some quality time with the little ones is good for grandfathers, too.

Boost the Spirit With Music

Listening to music has long been associated with increased mental sharpness. A beautiful piece of music can also lift the spirit and restore a sense of positivity for a person who has been suffering from dementia. Whether the elderly person in your life prefers jazz, oldies, country, or classical music, you might encourage him or her to listen to more of it. One option is to take a senior to a local concert. An excellent way to get a senior involved with the community while enjoying music is to help that person join one of the choirs in Orange County, California.

The Therapeutic Effects of Cooking

Time spent in the kitchen is not only productive – it’s also therapeutic. If the senior you care for has been experiencing a sense of defeat or depression after developing dementia, try taking the individual to a cooking class. Another strategy might be to help the person organize a cooking night with friends. You may also wish to be present in order to oversee or participate in this event. Each person could bring the recipe and ingredients for a different dish, and everyone could go home with leftovers.

The onset of dementia is not necessarily a cause for alarm. Taking a senior to see a professional is the first step when the signs of this condition start to manifest. The next step might be introducing the elder you care for to some fun and healthy activities for seniors with dementia in Orange County, California.

Photo by John Alesi