Coming up with an activity that is fun and purposeful is often more difficult than it seems. But for a person with dementia participating in activities that help to stimulate cognitive functions is recommended for health and wellbeing.
By incorporating Jigsaws into your activity programs improved communication and social interaction can be achieved. This, in turn, reduces stress levels and provides mental stimulation that helps someone with dementia feel calm and content.
What are the benefits of a jigsaw?
Jigsaw puzzles help to exercise both parts of the brain and provide a number of benefits such as:
• Improved interaction: A jigsaw puzzle offers the opportunity to start a conversation
• Purposeful activity: Completing a jigsaw can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose
• Exercise for the brain: Doing jigsaws can help strengthen the brain and improve visual recognition.
How to choose the right jigsaw?
There are a lot of different types of jigsaws and it is essential that you take into consideration the person you are buying the jigsaw for.
Look at:
• How challenging the jigsaw is. The jigsaw needs to be challenging but not impossible to do. Consider at what stage of dementia the person is at. This will determine the size and type of jigsaw that would be best.
• What interests the person has. Pick a jigsaw that would help evoke memories. Prompting reminiscence stimulates communication and helps trigger the existing memories of someone with dementia. Reminiscing can also assist in the creation of new memories, as discussing life history inspires new conversations that can be shared with caregivers and loved ones.
Dementia-friendly jigsaws by Find
Find's 16 piece jigsaws have been designed using era-specific images that provide just the right amount of mental stimulation without being too challenging.
The base of the puzzle acts as a frame to fit the pieces into and has a lighter image of the finished picture to make the pieces easier to identify.
Once completed, the jigsaw can be stored in its own re-sealable bag to ensure the pieces aren't lost. Additionally, the jigsaw pieces themselves are laminated and can be wiped clean if needed.
More information of Finds range of jigsaws can be found here
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