Expanding Their World

The January thaw this week with it’s sunshine was a wonderful break from the cold and dreary grey of winter. I thought much about the effect the bit of sunshine had on everyone. So many people commented on feeling uplifted and energized by the bright light of the sun. It reminded me of the many times I would see the same reaction to darkened or lighted rooms in a person dealing with dementia.
The lack of bright light seems to have a negative effect on people living with dementia. Some studies have shown that decreased vitamin D, when there is less sunshine, contributes to a downbeat in people. Light creates the invitation for motivation. Light is a stimulant even in infants. It is not uncommon to see a baby look to the light or focus on light when exploring the environment. There is something transforming when a person is experiencing well lit and warm surroundings. For that reason, it is good to mention that good lighting is an essential element to consider when inviting a person to engage with you in an activity pursuit, even though I have done so in other posts.
It does not matter if it is an indoor or an outdoor activity. The atmosphere that is created by the brightness of the location can have a huge affect on the outcome of the success of your attempts at recreation.
Speaking of motivation and location, whenever possible it is good to expose the person with dementia to various experiences. Of course, as the disease progresses, that becomes more difficult. Often when a person gets the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the world “closes in” and becomes smaller. Very frequently there is less contact within the community and the connections the person makes are limited to immediate family, care providers and doctor’s appointments. Socialization is so important though, for both the person themselves and for those directly related to their care. That is why it is recommended, if feasible; to consider having the person with dementia, if still living at home, attend an adult day center a couple times a week. Not only does it give the care provider a break from care, but they can have some time alone in their own home to get things done without interruption or even get some rest if needed. The socialization is positive and it broadens the horizon for the person living with memory loss.
In our Brainy Day Activity Program, we address the need to broaden the horizon by a set of cards called Community Helpers. In this set of cards there are careers of all kinds that open the person up to reminiscing. In addition, there is the opportunity to match the person in the career to the tools that go with that occupation. Some people enjoy categorizing the careers in groups of those in uniform or those that work outdoors or who provide a service. What we have found is that many people can connect back to a career that was part of their own life experiences and sometimes a new piece of information can be exchanged about who they are or how they saw themselves. A new connection is made. There have been testimonials to the success of interaction because of the pictures on the cards.
Our seniors have done so much in so many ways to give us a better world. It is rewarding when we can not only find a way to help them remember but when we can have a moment of discovery and giving back to them by activities. Mary Ann