Classic Books Seniors Will Love The Second Time Around

Classic literature will always hold value because these books are thought-provoking works that stand the test of time due to their strong, purposeful language, colorful characters, and captivating themes. However, perceptions of these books may change as people grow older, and these stories can affect them in different ways. Prescott elderly care experts have put together a list of few classic tales aging adults may want to revisit later in life.

The Hobbit

Though many seniors have likely seen Peter Jackson’s silver screen version of this classic J.R.R. Tolkien tale, the book is still worth reading once more. Not only is it rich with fantastic feats of courage and bravery, but it carries a poignant message about tapping into inner reserves of strength when they’re needed most. Both fun and exciting, The Hobbit is great way for seniors to comfortably while away the hours, and it can also be a tremendous source of inspiration.

The Catcher in the Rye

As the main protagonist of J.D. Salinger’s classic book, Holden Caulfield is riddled with enough angst to make him relatable to any teen. However, it is his pervasive sense of isolation that also makes him relatable to many seniors. Though this troubled 16-year-old can come off as a know-it-all at times, his adventures are captivating and his allusions to the sources of his pain are intriguing. Having raised children of their own, aging adults giving The Catcher in the Rye a second read can gain a far better understanding of why this young boy is so prone to personal disaster.

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel is a good read for any senior who loves dreaming of opulence, money earned fast and dishonestly, and friends who won’t leave their side even during the darkest and final hours. Not only is The Great Gatsby an incredibly captivating literary work, but it also has built-in layers of meaning most readers only understand after decades of building, maintaining, and even losing friendships.

Love You Forever

A bit more recent than the other books on this list, Love You Forever is by no means an adult book. In fact, some seniors might remember reading this Robert Munsch book to their own children many years ago. This short and beautifully illustrated work takes the reader through every stage of the child protagonist’s life as his mother does all she possibly can to make him feel comfortable and loved. At the book’s very end, the young boy has become a grown man and, just as his mother once stole into his room to rock him to sleep, he now steals into hers to provide the same sense of comfort and support.

Reading regularly is a wonderful way for seniors to stave off cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s. If your loved one needs more mental stimulation in his or her life, turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of Alzheimer’s and dementia home care Prescott, AZ, seniors can count on, and we also offer comprehensive stroke and Parkinson’s care. For more information, call one of our qualified Care Managers today at 928-771-0105.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

Applying the Montessori Method to Dementia Care

When providing home care in Prescott for a senior loved one with dementia, you may need to make some adjustments to his or her daily routine. There are many ways to help him or her manage the disease, including an approach called the Montessori Method, which relies heavily on muscle memory and the use of the 5 senses to stimulate the brain. The staff at Home Care Assistance explains how this method works and how you can apply it to your loved one’s dementia care.

The Basis of the Montessori Method

In 1907, an Italian physician named Maria Montessori developed a way to reach students from troubled backgrounds who were thought to be unteachable. The approach is now being used as a way to reach seniors affected by dementia. The Montessori Method focuses on identifying personal strengths, engaging the whole person, and building self-esteem by providing opportunities to be productive and successful.

Create the Right Environment

Try to create an inviting environment with your loved one’s needs in mind. You should include appropriate safety measures, but your loved one should not feel confined or restrained, and you should also keep the environment free of clutter to create a sense of order and calm. The environment should be easy to use so your loved one is able to live as independently as possible.

Reconnect with Long-Term Memories

The majority of seniors with dementia still retain long-term memories even in the more advanced stages of the disease. The Montessori Method encourages connecting with these memories to overcome withdrawal, isolation, and paranoia. Browsing through an old photo album or playing your loved one’s favorite music from youth can help him or her reconnect with positive memories.

Encourage the Use of Motor Skills

Performing simple physical tasks can help your loved one preserve the fine motor skills that help him or her maintain a higher level of independence. For example, having your loved one fold towels or socks not only helps him or her feel productive and valued, but it can also increase his or her dexterity, making it easier to get dressed independently. These types of tasks also encourage your loved one to tap into the procedural memories most often used in activities of daily living.

In addition to the Montessori Method, there are many other ways to help seniors with dementia live happier and healthier lives. At Home Care Assistance, we offer a program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, which focuses on engaging activities that help slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. For more information on the dementia and Alzheimer’s care Prescott, AZ, seniors rely on, call one of our qualified Care Managers at 928-771-0105 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com