New partnership with Relish in the UK, to support caregivers
At Help Texts we understand that caring for someone with dementia is a journey that unveils both the beauty and challenges of the human experience. That’s why we’re honored to be partnering with Relish, a UK organization founded by Ben Atkinson-Willes after his experience caring for his grandad as he progressed through the latter stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. We’re pleased to be sharing tips and suggestions for ways to care for a loved one with dementia, all via text.
Relish has a lot of practical suggestions for activities you can do with a loved one living with dementia. Here are some of our favorites:
- Jigsaw puzzles are relaxing for people with dementia. Putting together the pieces provides comfort and helps with focus. Those living with Alzheimer's and dementia can also benefit from the mental stimulation jigsaw puzzles provide. In the early stage of Alzheimer's and dementia, your loved one might be able to work 60-100-piece puzzles. However, when they advance to mid-stage dementia, it's best to use puzzles with 35 pieces or less.
- Knitting and crocheting are common activities for nursing home residents with dementia, and can be good things to try as you care for your loved one. Benefits include reduced anxiety and depression, and improved sense of well-being and sometimes even a slowing down of the progression of dementia.
- Petting, cuddling or walking an animal can be therapeutic for people with dementia. A stuffed animal is also a good alternative.
If you’d like more tips & suggestions like these we invite you to sign up for Help Texts for Caregivers to get a full year of support, straight to your phone. A diagnosis of dementia is difficult for patients and for their caregivers too, which is why we so deeply appreciate the work that Relish is doing to create and facilitate activities that can be fulfilling and enjoyable ways for caregivers to spend time with their loved ones.