Technology makes our lives easier. Almost everyone relies on technology on a day to day basis – from little kids to influential people. While most millennials are up to date with the current technology, some seniors may still find it hard to operate a smartphone. However, the invention of smartphones and tablets have made a huge difference in helping the seniors keep up with the latest technology. We think this article shows you the best apps for seniors with dementia. Seniors may want to learn how to use them. Even game apps for seniors might make their life more fun. And just so there is no question, there are android apps and iPad apps for seniors with dementia.
Luckily, its touchscreen feature makes it easier for them to navigate through the applications of their choosing. The straightforward interaction that these touchscreen devices offer is what makes it a perfect gadget to use for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
In case you didn’t know, there are applications specifically designed to promote relaxation and improve the cognitive functioning of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Best Apps for People with Dementia
You can download these apps (for free or with a fee) through the App Store or Google Play. Here are 9 best apps that you can download for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia:
Let’s Create! Pottery
This app allows seniors to create pottery through its virtual pottery wheel. They can drag their fingers around the screen to control the structure of the clay pots and smoothen the sides. They can also use different decorations to design their pots. Though virtual, this could be a way for seniors, especially art enthusiasts, to relieve stress and maintain their creativity.
Though the app may cost you a little, it will definitely contribute to the quality of the day the senior is having.
MindMate
Mindmate is an app made perfect for both seniors and baby boomers. It’s a free app contains a lot of activities which seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may be able to do, such as exercises, recipes, and interactive games and puzzles. It’s one of the great game apps for seniors with dementia. Every activity is designed to challenge the ability of the seniors to solve problems which helps them improve their cognitive function.
It also has a section where the senior can build or recreate their life’s story. This is extremely helpful in letting dementia patients remember the people in their life as well as the memorable events they’ve experienced. It also lets them store some personal information such as their favorite music or their favorite food. You can download both Android and iPad apps for seniors with dementia.
YouTube Is One of the Best Apps for Seniors with Dementia
Yes, YouTube. YouTube is perhaps one of the most popular applications these days. Seniors may go to YouTube and browse for videos – anything from short clips to a full movie, funny videos, emotional videos and the like. It’s a great relaxation app for people with dementia because apparently, watching videos not only provide entertainment, but it also relieves stress. There are Android and iPad apps for seniors with dementia.
Lumosity
Lumosity is another app that contains numbers of interactive puzzles that can help stimulate the minds of the seniors. A group of scientists created the games in the app. They’re constantly looking for new ways to push the abilities of seniors and improve their memory, attention, and other cognitive functions.
Every time you log in, there’s a challenge you need to accomplish. And these challenges aim to test their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The app is available in many languages, which makes it even more perfect for non-English speaking seniors to navigate through the app easily.
Though the app may come pricey at $79.99 per year, over 90 million people all over the world have used it.
FlowerGarden
If your elderly loved one enjoys gardening, this $2.99 app will definitely give them a chance to rekindle their love for this hobby. The app allows seniors to virtually take care of plants by using their gardening skills. They can choose from a plethora also give them a chance to look at their beautiful creation which is great in helping them relax thereby improving their mood throughout the day.
This app is helpful in keeping Alzheimer’s and dementia patients entertained and busy allowing caregivers to have a time window to do other things such as preparing the senior’s medication without worrying about wandering residents.
It’s Done!
This reminder app provides seniors with a checklist of things they need to do. This is helpful for tasks concerning safety such as locking doors and turning off the gas. It helps seniors recall everything that needs to be done before going to bed at night or before going out.
This app is ideal for people who suffer from short-term memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Though it comes with a $2.99 price tag, it also comes with the assurance of the senior’s safety.
MyTherapy
MyTherapy is a free app that allows dementia and Alzheimer’s patients and their families set reminders (i.e. medications). Seniors or their caregivers are able to enter and monitor the blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and others through the charts provided by the app.
The app also notifies the family and caregivers about missed medication. In addition to that, the senior’s doctor could also track the health of their patients through the app’s built-in report tool.
Elevate – Brain Training
Elevate – Brain Training is another free app that challenges user’s cognitive abilities. Also, Apple named the app as the best app of the year in 2017. So you know it’s one of the best apps for seniors with dementia. Tests and puzzles help in improving the brain function of seniors especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. That makes it one of the great game apps for seniors with dementia.
The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. However, if you want to get its pro version, they may charge $29.99 for every year of subscription.
Colorfy
Colorfy is an app that promotes relaxation with art and colors. It features a number of images such as florals, animals, mandalas, and paintings which seniors may fill with colors.
Coloring activities are known to calm minds. So this app is perfect for seniors with Alzheimer’s, especially those who are prone to aggression. Aside from promoting relaxation, it’s great for de-stressing.
You may notice that some of the apps mentioned are set on improving the cognitive function of the seniors. This is an important feature in order to help delay the deterioration of the neurons. Without any form of brain-stimulating activities, their condition may worsen within a short span of time. Though these apps are great, it’s important to know that they cannot surpass the benefits of physical activities.
A Paradise for Parents, we provide an intimate, home-like atmosphere for your loved ones to maintain a sense of independence, stay active, and make new friends. We encourage our residents to learn new things or pursue old interests because we know this keeps their minds sharp and engaged.
If you want to know more about assisted living facilities, A Paradise for Parents staff and our resources can answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (623) 295-9890 or email us at cam@aparadiseforparents.com to know more about the services we offer. You can also fill out an online form located on our homepage. We’d be happy to assist you in your search for an assisted living facility for your loved one.
