CHI - St. Joseph's Health - MN

LIVING AT HOME CAREGIVER DISCUSSION GROUP When: The fourth Wednesday of every month from 2 to 3:30 pm Where: The South Lobby Conference Room L1047 Who: All caregivers, including those caring for loved ones with dementia Check out the wonderful selection of puzzles and gifts for all ages at The Shoppe on Pleasant, CHI St. Joseph's Health Gift Shop, open Monday–Friday from 8:30 am–4:30 pm. F amily gatherings and social situations can be challenging for adults who have memory loss and may experience difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations. Activities such as working puzzles and playing memory games can spur conversations and may even help delay the progression of dementia. WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE BEST? Working together to complete a crossword puzzle, word search, or other brain game can be mentally enriching for all older adults, including those with memory loss. Assembling a memory puzzle—puzzles that feature bigger pieces and familiar scenes designed specifically for older adults with dementia—is also a beneficial activity. You can purchase memory puzzles with as many as 48 pieces or as few as four pieces, depending on your loved one's skill level. "If your family member doesn't see very well, ask what colors and shapes he or she recognizes as you work together to assemble the puzzle," says Laurel Hed, Licensed Social Worker and Bereavement Social Worker at CHI St. Joseph's Health. "Many times, this can start a conversation that can make your loved one feel more included." Hed also recommends gathering ideas based on your loved one's previous interests. If your mom loved to cook, for example, look at cookbooks together and ask her to help you plan the family meal by selecting a recipe. Socializing can also prevent depression— a condition that may exacerbate memory loss. Many people with dementia vividly recall distant memories from their childhood or young adulthood, so consider asking your loved one to share a favorite memory from holidays past. Also, don't overlook the power of music. Singing carols or quietly listening to familiar holiday music together can set your loved one at ease and encourage a sense of belonging. For information about the Caregiver Discussion Group, call218.255.2113. Memory Activities "Even though loved ones with memory loss may act dierently, they are still the same people inside. Focus on their interests and celebrate their abilities by planning activities they can easily participate in and enjoy—even if that means simply sitting together quietly or listening to soft music." LAUREL HED, LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER, BEREAVEMENT SOCIAL WORKER, CHI ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH, AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT COACH/GCM FOR LIVING AT HOME Pictured from left: Laurel Hed and Audrey Slette work on a memory puzzle. Bring generations together in support of loved ones who have memory loss by making time during the holidays for enrichment activities. CHI St. Joseph's Health | www.CHISJH.org 8

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