Combating Dementia with Active Minds
One of the oldest sayings in the book is “use it or lose it” and this applies doubly for sufferers of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia sufferers require regular physical and mental activity in order to delay further onset of the disease and providing for this is a key responsibility of all carers. The Active Minds range at Health and Care offers a range of entertaining and stimulating activities suitable for sufferers in different stages of the disease.
Aquapaint Painting Activity
The Active Minds Aquapaint Painting Activity allows people with dementia to create their own beautifully coloured and detailed portraits in the theme of Natural World, the Everyday or Loves. By simply applying a wet brush to an outline drawing on the Aquapaint canvas, the painting is revealed in all its vibrant colours. What’s more, when the water dries the canvas fades back to white, meaning that all Aquapaint activities are re-usable. Each pack comes with five paintings on a theme which can be used time and again.
Active Minds Paint Project Painting Book
Each Active Minds Paint Project Painting Book contains 40 outline drawings which have been selected for appropriate complexity and content for dementia sufferers. With just a brush and some paint all users can enjoy the satisfaction of creating beautiful images, without assistance, again and again. The drawings can easily be photocopied for group sessions.
Jigsaw Puzzles
The Active Minds range offers 13, 24 and 35 piece Dementia Jigsaw Puzzles for dementia sufferers. The puzzle images have been specially selected to stimulate memory and conversation. For example, the Orient Express puzzles are sure to induce recognition and emotion in the elderly. The larger 24 and 35 piece puzzles typically feature beautiful oil paintings of pastoral or civic scenes by artists such as Trevor Mitchell or Timothy Easton.
The 13 piece puzzles are the least difficult and come with a special printed backing board which guides the user. As such they are suitable for later stage patients. For early to mid stage users or those who discover that the 13 piece puzzle is not much of a challenge, the 24 or 35 piece puzzles are recommended. Equally, some may encounter difficulty and frustration even with the 13 piece puzzles, in which case a Creative Scene activity may be more suitable.
Creative Scene
The Active Minds Creative Scene is available in two versions: Allotment. Each Creative Scene is comprised of a themed background board and magnetic pieces which can be moved about freely on the board. This negates the frustration some later-stage users may feel when attempting the Jigsaw Puzzles, as there is no correct solution: the goal is simply for the user to create an arrangement which pleases them. The nostalgic, WW2-era themes of the Creative Scene are specifically designed to provoke memory and conversation in the older generation.
Animal Audio Bingo
Sadly, although bingo is an intensely popular game amongst the elderly, the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes make it very difficult for them to take part. Active Minds Animal Audio Bingo is intended to provide a solution to this problem. Animal Audio Bingo uses easily differentiated illustrations of animals in place of traditional numbers. This is supplemented by an Audio CD of animal sounds which takes on the role of bingo caller. A flipbook of animal illustrations is also included just so carers can ensure everyone is following on. Animal Audio Bingo makes bingo feasible again for dementia sufferers and is a great game for up to 12 players of all abilities, including the younger generation.
Purchase from the Active Minds Range Today
Whether it’s painting, puzzles, games or exercise, every product in the Active Minds range provides meaningful and stimulating activity, which should be the first port of call for carers of people with dementia. View the full range on Health and Care today.
All Active Minds products come with free UK delivery in 3 - 5 days.