How can a 22yr old girl spend time with her nana suffering with alzheimers?

Question

My nana has alzheimers, and I want to spend more time with her. I didn't grow up with her in my life too much, just during the summers. Consequently, I don't know much about her. It figures she has alzheimers, so not a lot of her memory's left. She's too old to play cards, which she loved to do. She's in a lot of pain, so physical activities are limited. Any activity ideas are appreciated, and can at least give me a starting point fpr brainstorming. Suggestions?

Wow!!! I just read the first 9 responses, and am overflowing with ideas!! THANK YOU EVERYONE, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! :)

I am choosing the best answer pretty randomly, because every single response has helped me tremendously. I wish I could pick all of you for the best answers. It helps to know a few things so I can find some common ground between the two of us. I cant thank all of you enough for your insight on such a heartbreaking disease. I'll say it again anyway: Thank you.

Answer 1

And don't forget about touch. Comb her hair. Help with her hygiene. Get some lavender lotion and rub her arms and hands with it. Sing to her or play songs on a CD player. Learn some older piano pieces that may trigger faint memories.

If anyone in the family knows what her favorite foods are, prepare those; smells are very closely linked to the memory system of the brain. You can sit and eat with her. It may require assistance from you. Talk to her about your day. If you are alone with her, tell her your deepest darkest secrets. Very therapeutic for you, and sometimes she might come out with a glimmer of understanding and insight, but won't remember it long enough to tell anyone else. Better than a priest, right? Talk to her about your plans for the future, memories of the past. She can be the role of a psychologist for you, as most of the breakthroughs in psych sessions are without much assistance from the one collecting the money. What a wonderful opportunity for you to have some personal growth and insight. But if she does have lucid times, listen intently. You are talking about a lifetime worth of wisdom to be had, in whatever way she can get it out.

If she can't play the card games that require the higher mental activites, maybe some simpler ones, like you might teach a 2 or 3 year old child. She might respond to the cards themselves.

Buy a bunch of popsicle sticks and glue at the hobby store and start building something. She may participate, she may not, but it will give you something to do with your hands, and may be simple enough for her to participate in. If she starts participating in this, don't correct her attempts. Don't set your sights on some grand design of the Eiffel tower, and then be upset if she has different plans.

Above all, just be willing to be the person who is with her.

Answer 2

I would suggest getting into a routine with her as much as possible. My 92 year old great grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's and though she remembers very little (she repeats herself constantly), having a routine with her seems to help. She began recognizing the things around her, and the people that are with her the most.

It has taken my family a very long time to get to this point (5 years at least), but it seems to help. If she is taken out of her little "environment" too often or to places she has never been before, she gets upset very easily. It is a though road ahead, but the constant routine and familiar surroundings tend to help those suffering from Alzheimer's to be happier on a daily basis.

Answer 3

Having had a favorite uncle who had alzheimers;I know there is no greater gift you can offer them than to be there with all the love,patience and empathy you have to offer. They are still human. While they may not remember the present,they often remember the past. My uncle did not remember my name,but remembered I was "Bob's girl". We could enjoy hours together reminiscing,as these were things he could recall. Give her love and tenderness and you will feel so good about yourself when she's gone. I know I do.
As far as not knowing much about her,ask other family members;this will give you "food for conversation". Good luck and God bless you both.

Answer 4

Find out what hobbies she had and bring in magazines on that stuff. You can talk to her about the articles, and ask her about her experiences. People with early alzheimers remember stuff from the distant past better than the recent past, so look at stuff she did when she was young.

Ask her if she would like you to read to her, and if so, what she would like to hear.

Bring photos of yourself and friends. Tell her about you and what you like and what's going on in your life.

Ask her if she has a favorite tv show. Ask her if you can watch it with her every week. She'll look forward to your visit, even though most of it is spent not talking!

Answer 5

Will she sit in a wheel chair? If she will, take her too a flower park or to the zoo. Most Alzheimer's patients enjoy parks and love to look at the animals. Keep away from loud, noisy places as that will be too much stimulation for her and could cause her to become agitated.

Answer 6

i personallly think that alzheimers is the most degrading disease in older life it takes to most presious people usually our parents and grand parents away and they are not even dead if it were me i would take her to the places that she accoiates with the most if you can get her out of the house most people remember the past better than the present everyday life means nothing to them but the past can hold the key old photos,and some times people from her generation she may still remember treat each day as your first she wont remember and good luck

Answer 7

My Grandpa had Altzheimer's. He was from Germany, one night my BF and I took him to a German restaurant and he loved it. His face lite up when the waitress said they had apple streudal. He was actually flirting with her (an 83 yr old guy). She was sweet and gave him a little flirting back. He even got a bit drunk. But that was a very rememborable night and I am glad I have it in memory.

Perhaps you can do something similar, or even just making her a light lunch and bring it over, spend some time with her and describe the last movie you saw with her.

Answer 8

Treat each day as the first...as she may not remember yesterday. Bring a book and read to her, and smile alot. For a brief time, she will be happy. If you do this daily, she will be happy for a time each day. Good Luck, and I say a small prayer for you both to enjoy each others company.

Answer 9

sometimes they like to walk (in the neighborhood or store). cooking for her is good - she still eats. Just hold her hand. Or helping her get dressed. You could talk to her while you clean the house or change the sheets. Do something useful.