Innovative Therapy for Dementia Home Care Patients

Best Home Care likes to stay up-to-date on all types of therapy and treatments that can aid in helping seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Home care for dementia is constantly being updated and refined to provide better care for recipients of care and make life easier for PCAs.

Here are some recent developments in innovative therapy that can aid with dementia care at home.

Reminiscent Therapy

This type of therapy can be beneficial for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Reminiscent Therapy uses various items to help trigger memories as well as help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning any type of therapy program.

Here are some examples of how Reminiscent Therapy can benefit home care patients:

• Vintage Designs: Lots of memory care facilities now feature interior designs that are reminiscent of those from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. These designs can help retrieve memories as well as bring comfort to those with dementia.
• Photo and Memory Walls: These can include different themes such as cars, travel, pets, and hobbies. Specific themes like these can help to prompt certain discussions and questions such as what was your favorite vacation? Other photo options could include pictures from memories like weddings or birthdays.
• Memory Stations: Create a memory station by setting up an area for your patient or loved one to enjoy a favorite activity. For example, a keyboard with music, a sewing corner, a small workshop with tools, or even a vintage desk with an old telephone. All of these things can help to trigger memories of enjoying favorite activities.

Artificial Intelligence

Various forms of modern technology are also believed to help those with Alzheimer’s. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can track behavioral changes and vital signs that can alert PCAs to the deterioration of symptoms. In other cases, automatic sensors have been seen to alert recipients of care to dangers in the home, such as boiling water, spilled liquids, and more. This helps to keep them safer when they’re home alone.

Doll Therapy

Studies show that doll therapy is another form of experimental treatment that has helped people with dementia. The study states that “in most instances, cognitive, behavioral and emotional symptoms were alleviated and overall well-being was improved with doll therapy, and dementia sufferers were found to be able to better relate with their external environment.”

Doll therapy is simple to try out; simply offer a life-like doll or soft stuffed animal to the recipient of care and encourage them to engage with it. It’s believed that it reminds people of having something to be responsible for, like a child or a pet, and is thought to have relaxing and mood-lifting benefits.

BAT Therapy

A charitable organization in the UK, the BAT Foundation, has found that seniors with dementia have seen great improvements in recipients of care after spending time playing table tennis with each other. Not only is it fun, but it also promotes socializing and cements a daily routine for the participants.

It doesn’t have to be table tennis, of course. If you’re a PCA for dementia patients, you could suggest any sort of relatively straightforward, sociable sport. It’s even better if it gets the recipient of care out of the house and in the company of other people.

Best Home Care knows the importance of spending time with loved ones especially if they are struggling with dementia. We take great care to help you find the best home care services for the unique needs of you or your loved one.  We specialize in home care services for all ages!

For any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 651-330-2550, email us at info@bestcaremn.com, or visit our website for more information on our home care services.