Activities for PWD and visual impairments

Shelley2175 · January 2023

Hi, this is my first time writing. My mom is in MS dementia I think (we do not have an official diagnosis). She also has severe visual perceptual impairment (which we thought was from a car accident years ago but is consistently getting worse). We have been through a lot of therapy for this and going back is not an option because she refuses. My question is, do any of you have an activities that you do with your LO that do not require sight. My mom cannot read, make visual sense of pictures for reminiscing, she cannot dial the phone anymore, she listens to her TV most of the time but I think it's just due to lack of options. It's so hard with the visual impairments because it is also hard to know if her confusion is because of this vs the dementia. She has become depressed, doesn't get dressed during the day, and prefers just to stay in their house. I really want to help her engage in activities to help her find joy again. Any help would be wonderful. Thank you

Marta · January 2023

Shelley: you will want to focus on the senses that are still intact:

Hearing: of course make sure she has access to music that she likes. You may wish to invest in an Alexa or similar device that you can program with her music and control remotely. Podcasts or audio books geared to her interest and ability to concentrate are another possibility.

Sometimes ambient noise through the device can be soothing and calming.

Smell: aroma therapy has been found to be beneficial for mood for some.

Taste: offering a variety of tasty treats can enhance QOL.

Touch: fidget blankets are available on Amazon or can be home made. Massage likely would be welcomed. Application of creams can stimulate both touch and smell and may be therapeutic.

Proprioception: making sure she does not sit in one position for any length of time will help with keeping this sense from deteriorating. Gentle daily exercises that involve simply putting the joints through their range of motion to the extent possible, to prevent contraction and disuse syndrome, can prevent discomfort and even offer relief.

You get the idea.

Do realize that PWD do not do well with constant stimulation and need down time. We tend to project our own need for stimulation and activity to prevent boredom onto the PWD, which can put unrealistic and unwanted pressure on the PWD and on the caregivers.

Do not expect the PWD to engage in activities without supervision.