Understanding Low Vision
There are two main reasons your loved one may be having trouble with vision. First, everyone has changes in their vision as they get older. Cataracts are the most common affliction and lead to “cloudy vision” with a slow reduction in people’s ability to see. Secondly, our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders (ADRD) are likely to lack the ability to understand what they see or remember what a particular item is used for. Given these changes, customizing enjoyable activities for your loved one with low vision abilities might take some trial and error to find the right fit.
A good way to start is to consider what their interests were before they became ill. If they are still interested in a long-time hobby that they used to enjoy, is there a way to adjust it so they can still enjoy it? If your loved one enjoys reading, for example, could you get them to try audio books instead?
Conversely, the changes wrought by ADRD may leave them unable or uninterested in former pursuits; if so, this is an opportunity to try new things. If needlework is no longer possible, for instance, then perhaps painting or some other simpler art form might work.
Activity Ideas
The following are some ideas that you can customize according to your loved one’s ability and current interests. As your loved one’s abilities, interests, and vision change over time you can revisit this list and try some alternate activities.
Audible Books
There are many options for reading aloud to your loved one: books, the newspaper, magazines, and old letters. You can even try a joke book for a good laugh, or perhaps you could try trivia questions.
Audio books can be borrowed from your local library, purchased from a retailer or downloaded online for free. Here’s a list of websites where you can find free audio books and other educational resources.
Radio broadcasts offer another wide variety of topics such as talk shows, spiritual programs and sporting events, to name a few. Both Apple and Android smartphones have apps that have listings of podcasts (recorded audio programs) that might be of interest to listen to. Many podcasts are free.
TV programs, DVDs or videos can also stimulate one’s visual imagery. Nature programs for example often narrate the action in great detail. Musicals, concerts and operas are other options. Many video documentaries and musical recordings can be found on www.Youtube.com, much of which is free to use.
Music
Play your loved one’s favorite songs or albums and encourage them to sing along. This can spark conversation about positive memories they have. Music streaming is also available from services such as Spotify, which has a free version. You can search for “Alzheimer’s Playlist” to get suggestions for songs.
Incorporate musical instruments as an activity. Try rhythmic instruments such as a musical shaker, cow bells, tambourines, rhythm sticks, hand drums or a harmonica.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts can be adapted to not only a wide range of vision ability but also skill level. For example, loved ones with extremely low vision may start with sorting a bowl of pasta or beads by shape and texture, then perhaps move on to stringing them once they are familiar with the object by touch.
Sculpture provides another tactile activity; one can use modeling clay or sculpting sand.
For our loved ones with some vision, consider crafts such as a collage. While you might need to assist with cutting out the pictures, it provides an opportunity to talk and reminisce about what memories they spark. Painting is another activity ideal for creative expression.
Planting or tending to plants can be another low-vision activity. Herb garden kits are a fun way to have an ongoing project, from planning to watching them grow to using them in your favorite dish! Also consider fragrant herbs or plants, as smell is another way to invoke memories and provide calm.
Your loved one might enjoy engaging with a fidget and other sensory products such as an “activity apron”. These aprons provide an opportunity to personalize your loved one’s interests in an activity for them. They can have a variety of objects fastened on them such as shapes, textures, and even gadgets that make sounds. Those with dementia often find comfort in using aprons tied around their waist.
Exercise
Another mood and health booster is exercise. Here is a guide for some chair-based exercises.
And, when you play your loved one’s favorite music, build on that activity and add some movement! If they are able, invite them to dance with you. If mobility is a concern, simply have them sway their seat and tap their hands and feet!
Household Chores
Chores are a great way for your loved one to feel that they are involved and contributing to the household.
Fruit preparation, such as peeling bananas or oranges and breaking them into chunks or sections, can be one way to get them involved; the same with vegetable preparation, such as shelling peas or de-stemming snap peas. Another idea is simply putting a set of ingredients in a bowl and stirring.
Another activity to get your loved one involved in the household is helping with the laundry, such as folding towels and pairing socks.
Adventure
Spur your loved one to go for an adventure! Go outside for some fresh air and sunshine, using a wheelchair if needed for added safety. Enjoy the warmth of the sun and take in the sounds around you.
Take a drive and describe the scenery along the way. You might even end up at your favorite ice-cream parlor!
Utilize Your Other Senses
You can also use smell as another activity, whether it’s the herb garden you planted, essential oils or homemade scent cards, this activity is sure to trigger memories.
Did you plant any fruits or vegetables as one of your activities? If so, have a taste test! Your loved one can use their sense of taste, sense of smell and recollection of texture to try to identify the produce. Or, you can create a “scent game” using simple materials and spices.
Would your loved one enjoy a little pampering? Try using a scented lotion and give them a soothing hand massage.
Adaptive Games
There are many adapted game materials (such as card and dominos), as well as games specifically designed for people who have challenges in their vison. There are large print playing cards, for example, as well as large dominos made for the visually impaired. Also, there are many specialty games developed for people suffering from ADRD. Amazon has a list here.
Please talk with your own/loved one’s healthcare provider before using any of this information.
