It can be very difficult to watch our beloved seniors lose precious memories and mental capacity, forget those they love, and even sometimes lose their own unique personalities.
How can important memories be kept alive, and these precious minds kept active? Here are some simple ideas for everyday activities that can help with memory and recall:
• Pictures are worth a thousand words. Make scrapbooks of very special memories and share them with your loved one often. Put pictures in frames with captions of names, dates and events. Hang them where your loved one will see them often.
• Save greeting cards and holiday pictures they receive from old friends and loved ones. Re-reading personal letters and viewing pictures can jog memories.
• Visit as often as possible! Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a very special joy.
• Write notes to remind seniors of who you are. If someone is forgetting who you are and can see well, try wearing a nametag like, “My name is Cathy. You are my aunt, I love you.”
• For those seniors whose loved ones are in other cities, technology can be a great way to bridge the gap between visits. Items such as webcams and Internet based programs allow people to talk and see friends or family in other areas. These “virtual visits” can help seniors be a part of those milestone moments, such as their grandchild losing their first tooth!
• Music can be a powerful tool for jogging and preserving memories. Songs from their era can take them back to their youthful days and jog their memories of names and places.
There are many different possible causes of memory loss, so it is best to leave the diagnosis to your doctor. However, if you are seeing signs of memory loss in your loved one and want to take action, these are just a few suggestions. They may make a world of difference for you, your loved one and your family.
For more information on dealing with memory issues or Memory Care Communities, contact Mary Dembkowski at Summerhill Villa. Our number is 661-254-9933.