The Voise Foundation writes, “Creative cooking and baking can provide significant cognitive stimulation for individuals with dementia.” December is a popular time for preparing food as an act of love for the people in our lives. However, for people with dementia or those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias this beloved tradition may have taken a back seat. Revamping the way you conduct this activity may be all that it takes to bring therapeutic benefits to the person for whom your caring.
Last December St. John's Dementia Quality of Life Specialist Mimi DeVinney of Ask Mimi appeared on WHAM 13's Good Day Rochester to share some helpful tips for caregivers and family members of people living with dementia. Her counsel, as written in a blog post on St. John's website, still holds true as does the special Chevrolet commercial, which aired this time last year featuring a person living with dementia. Holidays are all about spending time with family and friends. This transcends all abilities and ages.
Lifted Care, a British at-home dementia care company, says that not only can LEGO building help younger people who live with mental difficulties, but the same goes for older adults living with dementia. According to Lifted, LEGOs have shown promising results. If you are looking for a creative gift idea for your loved one who is a puzzle enthusiast or likes to work with his/her hands, this might be something worth trying. Last year St. John's invited Loretta Veney, who is certified in LEGO® Serious Play®, to speak to dementia caregivers about its benefits.
If you are caring for a person living with dementia at home, Mondays with Mimi is where you can have your questions answered. In her 20 years at St. John’s, Mimi DeVinney (our Dementia/Quality of Life Specialist) has heard dozens of questions about caring for people living with dementia. Go to the Ask Mimi page of St. John’s Online Dementia Resource Center to see Mimi’s answers to newly submitted questions.
