Aging comes with certain challenges, and one of the most common is memory loss. However, there are steps seniors can take to keep their brains healthy. Here are a few ways your senior loved one can keep dementia at bay.
Use the Non-Dominant Hand
One important way your loved one can keep his or her brain healthy is by practicing skills that force the body to develop new neural pathways. Encourage your loved one to use his or her non-dominant hand for everyday activities such as eating and brushing his or her teeth. This can stimulate the brain and create new brain cells, which are essential for a healthy brain. Once your loved one has mastered these simple skills, he or she can then try more difficult tasks, such as writing or painting with the other hand.
Professional caregivers with training and expertise in methods of cognitive stimulation can be a wonderful asset for seniors. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Carry a Water Bottle
Your loved one’s brain may not function in an efficient manner if he or she doesn’t drink enough water. Your loved one should try to drink at least seven or eight full glasses a day. It’s a good idea for your loved one to carry around a water bottle so he or she has something to sip on whenever he or she is thirsty. Adequate water intake helps the brain function.
Find an Activity Buddy
A daily exercise schedule is important for a healthy mind, and people who exercise with friends are much more likely to complete their workout goals. An activity buddy might be just what your loved one needs to go to the gym or walk on the treadmill a few times every week. As an added bonus, a workout buddy can also provide your loved one with constant social stimulation. Many community centers, gyms, and senior centers maintain updated lists of people who are looking for activity buddies.
Exercise can boost a senior’s mental health and wellbeing and alleviate certain dementia symptoms. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Frederick families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Within just a few weeks of quitting, your loved one’s body will likely undergo a transformation as his or her brain and cardiovascular system become stronger. To quit smoking, your loved one might want to speak with a doctor about ways to curb the craving, such as using nicotine patches or gum. A cigarette-free life is crucial for a healthy and strong mind, which can keep dementia away.
Dementia-related issues can be reduced with the help of an expertly trained caregiver. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick, a trusted provider of Frederick senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call one of our Care Managers today to learn about our customized in-home care plans.
