Ways to Calm Your Senior Parent’s Alzheimer’s Anxiety
Alzheimer’s can cause your mom or dad to get very anxious. It’s difficult knowing that your mom or dad is experiencing anxiety and not being able to help. But, sometimes there isn’t a way to comfort your mom or dad because you don’t know what they’re experiencing in their mind that is causing the anxiety. Having Alzheimer’s care at home is a big help if you’re taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s. The care providers who work in Alzheimer’s care have experience working with seniors who have Alzheimer’s. They also receive special training that helps them understand how Alzheimer’s affects seniors.
A care provider that provides Alzheimer’s care at home for seniors can help you understand what is happening to your mom or dad and how the disease impacts their behavior. It can be a big relief to have someone to talk with who explains why your mom or dad acts the way they do.
If you want to help your mom or dad cope with the anxiety that Alzheimer’s can cause some tools may help calm them down. Every senior with Alzheimer’s is different, so you may need to try several of these before you find one that works:
Fidget Blankets
Fidget blankets are small quilts with different textures, buttons, zippers, and pockets sewn into them. These blankets give seniors something to touch and interact with, which can reduce anxiety and restlessness.
There are also fidget aprons, fidget muffs, and other variations of a fidget blanket that seniors can use. Fidget muffs can be a great way to reduce anxiety when you need to take your mom or dad to the doctor.
For seniors who like to keep their hands busy, a fidget blanket can be incredibly soothing. It’s a safe and simple way to help them focus and feel more relaxed.
Dolls
Dolls can be very comforting for seniors with Alzheimer’s, especially those in the later stages of the disease. Holding and caring for a doll can provide a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Many seniors develop a nurturing instinct, and the doll can become a source of companionship. It’s important to choose a lightweight, soft doll that’s easy for them to hold. Doll therapy has been shown to bring joy and reduce agitation in seniors with dementia.
Realistic dolls are very comforting for seniors with Alzheimer’s. If your mom or dad loves kids they may enjoy having a doll to take care of.
Animatronic Pets
Animatronic pets, like robotic cats or dogs, are designed to mimic real animals. They can blink, purr, bark, and even respond to touch. These lifelike movements and sounds provide comfort to seniors who may miss having a pet.
For seniors with Alzheimer’s, animatronic pets offer companionship without the responsibility of caring for a real animal. They are particularly useful for calming agitation and creating a sense of connection. If your mom or dad loves dogs or cats, having an animatronic one can give them a lot of the same benefits that having a real pet provides.
Soothing Music
Music can be a powerful tool for calming a senior with Alzheimer’s. Familiar songs, especially those from their youth, can trigger happy memories and reduce agitation. Slow, gentle music can also create a relaxing atmosphere.
Caregivers can create a playlist of the senior’s favorite songs or use music therapy apps designed for people with dementia. Playing calming tunes during stressful times, like mealtimes or before bed, can help manage your mom or dad’s anxiety.
Sensory Activities
Sensory activities involve using the five senses to provide comfort and focus. These can include things like aromatherapy, hand massages, or touching soft objects. Seniors may enjoy smelling lavender oil, feeling warm towels, or dipping their hands in a bowl of beads or rice.
These activities engage the senses in a way that’s both calming and enjoyable. They’re especially helpful when seniors feel overwhelmed or restless.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Care Services in the Belton MO area, please contact the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City, today.
Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.
Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.
Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.
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