R.O.S. Therapy Systems

Dementia, Behaviors, Activities and their Benefits

source: R.O.S. Therapy Systems

One of the many causes that can lead to challenging behaviors for those with some form of dementia is boredom. The frustration from the lack of stimulation added to the frustration associated with a progressive form of dementia can lead to a bad day. Research shows that the use of person-centered and person-appropriate activities can provide positive effects for individuals with dementia. Engaging them in activities can provide meaning, a sense of involvement and belonging, and a positive emotional outlet. Engagement in activities can also be used to achieve physical goals in rehabilitation. Here are just some of the benefits of leisure activities and why activities are important:

• Minimize Behavioral Changes

Activities offered and performed that are of interest and the right skill level show a decrease in challenging behaviors such as shadowing, repetitive questioning, agitation, and argumentative interactions.

• Decrease Depression and Anxiety

Multiple studies have shown that by engaging in structured activities that allow for success, symptoms of depression and anxiety can be reduced.

• Mental & Social Stimulation

Activities that engage the brain are good for all of us. They can facilitate social interaction. If your loved one or resident does not have the opportunity to interact with others, they can feel lonely and isolated.

• Improve Sleep Habits

If a loved one or resident sits in a chair all day without participating in any activities, they will likely fall asleep several times throughout the day which can interrupt sleep patterns at night.

• Improve Self-Esteem

Offering an activity to someone who has a physical or cognitive issue can be encouraging and an accomplishment. Giving a task to someone to experience success can improve self-esteem.

Caregiver Benefits

If your loved one or resident is actively engaged, you will spend less time responding to behavioral issues and more time enjoying positive interactions which creates less caregivers stress.

The how to’s of activities – Leisure and Daily Living – along with tips on mitigating behavioral issues are explored in several volumes of the Activities for the Family Caregiver Book series from R.O.S. Here are a few of the titles:

Activities 101 for the Family Care Giver: Dementia: How To Engage

Activities for the Family Caregiver: Dementia: How to Engage. How to Live.

Activities for the Family Caregiver: Frontal Temporal Dementia: How to Engage. How to Live .

Activities 101 for the Family Caregiver: How to Engage

Improve your quality of life and the one you care for through activities and engagement. It will make a difference.

About R.O.S Therapy Systems: R.O.S. Therapy Systems improves quality of life through activities and education for caregivers and the ones they care for. Whether it is Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Stroke, ALS, Huntington’s, TBI, Developmental Disability or any number of issues resulting in physical or cognitive impairment, R.O.S. is here to help. Based on the social model of care, the company teaches caregivers how to engage and communicate, provides the products to engage, and consults or coaches as needed.

R.O.S. Therapy Systems was founded by inventor, author and speaker Scott Silknitter of Greensboro, NC in 2010 as a project to help his mother and father in a 25-year battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. For more information about Scott or the R.O.S. family of Companies, please visit www.ROSTherapySystems.com or contact us at 888-352-9788.