For those living with dementia, it can be challenging to engage in regular activities and exercise due to memory loss, confusion, reduced coordination, and difficulty following instructions. However regular mental and physical stimulation through at home exercises can bring significant benefits – helping to maintain balance, mobility, and overall physical health, while also supporting memory and mood. At Bongiwe Home Carers, we provide home care services for the elderly, including those who require dementia support in Ireland. In this post, we discuss the benefits of at-home exercise ideas for individuals with dementia, along with simple activities you can try at home.
The Benefits of Home Activities
There are numerous benefits of taking part in home activities for those with dementia, helping to stimulate them both mentally and physically. By taking part in activities at home, it provides dementia patients with comfort and reassurance, making it easier for them to engage in activities without feeling overwhelmed. Simple tasks or games, whether done alone or with a carer, family member, or friend, can help maintain cognitive function, improve mood, and encourage a sense of independence.
Engaging in activities together can also strengthen emotional connections and reduce feelings of isolation, which are common among those living with dementia. Regular activity and companionship at home play a key role in improving quality of life, offering both stimulation and support in a familiar setting.
Activities That Can Be Carried Out at Home
General Home Tasks
Simple household chores like folding laundry or tidying up can provide purpose and familiarity to those with dementia. These activities help stimulate physical movement and coordination, keeping the person gently active. Involving dementia patients in daily home tasks also encourages independence and can boost their confidence and mood through a sense of contribution.
Daily Routines
A consistent daily routine can help to comfort and structure for someone who has dementia. Familiar patterns such as morning washing, mealtimes, and rest periods help reduce confusion and anxiety. Routines support memory through repetition and can help the individual feel more settled, making day-to-day life more manageable and reassuring for both them and their carers.
Social Activities
Regular social interaction can also make a really big difference to someone living with dementia. Simple activities like conversations over tea, family visits, or video calls help reduce feelings of isolation. These moments keep communication skills active, lift mood, and maintain emotional bonds that are vital to a person’s sense of connection and wellbeing.
Brain Activities
Gentle brain games such as puzzles, word searches, or matching activities support cognitive health. These exercises encourage focus, problem-solving, and memory recall in a fun and engaging way. They also give the individual a sense of achievement and can help slow down the progression of cognitive decline when done regularly.
Creative Activities
Creative tasks like painting, music, or crafting offer a calming and expressive outlet to dementia patients. These activities support hand-eye coordination and allow for non-verbal communication and emotional expression. They can bring joy, spark memories, and give the person a sense of fulfilment, all while providing a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time.
Family and Carer Input
Families need to be as involved as possible in the care of a loved one with dementia. Taking part in activities together, offering emotional support, and simply being present can help reduce feelings of confusion, anxiety, and isolation. However, dementia care can be challenging, and many families decide to seek additional support.
Bringing in a professional at-home carer, like the Bongiwe Home Carers team, ensures that your loved one receives specialised dementia care in a familiar setting. A trained, experienced carer can provide tailored assistance, companionship, and expert support, helping both the individual with dementia and their family feel more confident and supported.
Contact Bongiwe Home Carers for Dementia Support in Ireland
Here at Bongiwe Home Carers, we provide dementia support in Ireland with home care services designed to support and enhance their quality of life. Our dementia care services allow loved ones to receive the specialised, professional care they need to manage their dementia, all from the familiar and comfortable environment of their own home. As part of our dementia care, we provide physical assistance, support cognitive stimulation, and offer emotional companionship.
With our dementia support in Ireland, we help ease the emotional and physical toll of caring for a loved one with dementia, making life easier for both you and your loved one. Contact us today for further information on our home care packages for dementia patients, fill out our online enquiry form or call +353 1517 50 55 or +353 85 275 6599.
