Staying active is important for people of all ages, including those living with dementia. If someone you love has dementia or another memory-related condition, doing activities together can help them feel more engaged and improve their quality of life.
As dementia progresses, it can be difficult for some individuals to continue enjoying activities they once loved. We understand this can be a challenging time for both the person with dementia and their loved ones. However, there are still many meaningful and enjoyable activities they can enjoy. In this blog, we share 40 expert-recommended activities for people with dementia to help you find something to experience with your loved one.
Benefits of Activities for People With Dementia
Activities for people with Alzheimer’s can have many important health and well-being benefits, including:
- Improved Mood: Staying active can help ease feelings of anxiety, depression, and agitation.
- Supports Physical Health: Gentle activities, like walking or stretching, can help maintain mobility, strength, and balance. This can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
- Boosts Cognitive Function: Fun activities for people with dementia can stimulate memory and improve thinking skills.
- Encourages Social Connection: Group activities can help reduce loneliness, which is important for emotional well-being.
- Promotes a Sense of Routine: Engaging in daily activities can help reduce confusion and bring a sense of normalcy to someone with dementia.
Engaging in meaningful activities for people with dementia can help add comfort and a sense of familiarity to their daily lives. These activities not only help reduce confusion but can also create moments of joy and connection when shared together. Here are some activities for adults with dementia that you can explore with your loved one:
Physical Activities
Physical activities not only help maintain overall health but can also improve mood and reduce restlessness, which are common in people with dementia or other memory-related conditions. When planning physical activities for people with dementia, it’s important to let them go at their own pace. Here are some dementia activities you can try:
1. Chair Yoga
If your loved one enjoys gentle stretching, you can guide them through chair yoga exercises. Chair yoga is a great way to help improve flexibility and promote relaxation.
2. Walking
Walking can be refreshing and provides a great opportunity for conversation or simply enjoying quiet time together. When walking with someone with dementia, remember to make sure the path is clear of any obstacles to reduce the risk of falling.
3. Dancing to Favorite Songs
Dancing offers a fun way to stay active, improve coordination, and connect with others. Whether it’s a slow, gentle sway or a lively dance, moving to music can boost overall mood and provide some light exercise.
4. Tossing a Soft Ball
A gentle game of tossing a soft ball back and forth can be a lot of fun, even for someone with dementia. Plus, it’s good for hand-eye coordination and can be a great opportunity for some light-hearted interaction.
5. Watering Plants
If someone you love enjoys gardening, you can encourage them to help you water houseplants or garden flowers. This soothing activity can offer a sense of accomplishment for a person with dementia.
Cognitive Activities
Cognitive activities for people with Alzheimer’s can help keep the brain active and engaged. Here are a few cognitive activities you can try:
6. Crossword Puzzles
Completing puzzles is a rewarding way to help sharpen the mind. When picking one up for someone with dementia, large-print crossword puzzles can be a great option. You can work on them together and offer hints and encouragement when needed.
7. Matching Card Games
Try playing a memory card game where they match pairs of colorful cards. This fun game can help boost memory and concentration for a person with dementia.
8. Sorting Items
Gather items like colored beads or buttons and ask them to sort them by color or size. This relaxing and engaging task can help keep their mind active and focused, which is especially beneficial for people with dementia.
9. Reading Short Stories
Share short, simple stories with your loved one. Reading aloud together can bring comfort, especially when the stories are familiar or hold special meaning for them.
10. Simple Jigsaw Puzzles
Simple jigsaw puzzles can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity for persons with dementia. When choosing puzzles for someone you love, it can be helpful to opt for ones with larger pieces and familiar images to help keep things enjoyable.
Creative Activities
Creative activities can be a wonderful way for your loved one to express themselves, relax, and experience moments of joy. Here are some activities for people with dementia that can be both fun and therapeutic:
11. Painting With Watercolors
Painting can have a calming effect for people with dementia. To start, set up a simple painting station with paper and watercolor paints and encourage your loved one to paint freely.
12. Collage-Making
Collage-making can be an excellent way for someone with dementia to express themselves. You can provide old magazines, scissors, and glue, and encourage them to cut out pictures they like. They can then arrange these images on paper to make a beautiful collage.
13. Knitting or Crocheting
The repetitive motions of knitting or crocheting offer a relaxing way for someone with dementia to stay active and engaged. If it’s been a while since they’ve knitted, you can start with a simple project, like a scarf or small blanket. Choose soft, colorful yarn and larger needles or hooks that are easier on the hands.
14. Baking and Decorating Cookies
Bake some cookies together and let your loved one join in the fun by helping you decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or an edible decoration of their choice. This can be a fun and rewarding way to spend time together while enjoying a delicious treat.
15. Flower Arranging
Provide fresh or artificial flowers and let your loved one create their own arrangements. Flower arranging can be a therapeutic and visually pleasing activity, especially for those with dementia.
Music-Based Activities
Music has a special way of bringing out positive emotions, memories, and a sense of comfort. Music-based activities are also easy to enjoy and can have a calming and uplifting effect for people of all ages. Here are some music-related activities for people with dementia that you can check out:
16. Singing Along to Songs
Singing together can spark wonderful memories and bring happiness. When you sing with someone who has dementia, it may help to choose songs they know well, like old favorites from their younger years or special tunes from family gatherings.
17. Playing Instruments
Provide simple instruments, like tambourines or maracas, and encourage them to play along with you. It’s a fun way to make music together.
18. Listening to Music
Create a playlist of your loved one’s favorite songs and listen together. Music can soothe nerves, evoke memories, and offer a peaceful experience for someone with dementia.
19. Music Therapy Sessions
If available, consider attending music therapy sessions. These sessions are typically led by professionals who use music to offer a therapeutic and engaging experience.
20. Making a Playlist Together
Work with your loved one to create a playlist of songs they enjoy. This activity can help them relive happy memories and ensure they have music that brings them joy.
Social Activities
Staying socially active is important for emotional well-being, especially for people with dementia. Engaging in social activities can help your loved one feel connected, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve their overall mood. Here are some fun and meaningful activities for people with dementia:
21. Tea Party
Host a small tea party with familiar foods and drinks, and invite family or friends to join. This social event offers companionship and can be a delightful way to enjoy time together.
22. Board Games
Playing board games can provide some brain exercise and help promote interaction. Remember to be patient and offer assistance if needed.
23. Sharing Stories
Encourage your loved one to share their favorite memories or experiences. This activity not only provides comfort but also offers a great chance to learn more about their past and connect emotionally.
24. Community Center Events
If there are local events designed for seniors, consider attending together. These outings create opportunities for socialization in a supportive, friendly environment.
25. Watching a TV Show Together
Pick a favorite TV show and watch it together. This simple activity can be relaxing and spark conversations, making your time together more meaningful.
Sensory Activities
People with late-stage dementia may sometimes feel anxious or confused. Sensory activities can be a calming way to engage their senses and provide comfort. Here are a few sensory activities for people with dementia that you can try with a loved one:
26. Handling Fabrics
Provide soft fabrics, like scarves or blankets, for them to touch and feel. The tactile experience can be calming and comforting for someone with dementia.
27. Using Scented Lotions
Offer hand massages with scented lotions, such as lavender. The pleasant scents and gentle touch can be very relaxing and enjoyable.
28. Playing With Playdough
Let them mold and shape playdough. This hands-on activity provides sensory stimulation and can be a fun way to encourage creativity.
29. Walking Barefoot on Soft Surfaces
If it’s in a safe area, let them walk barefoot on a soft surface, like grass or sand. The natural textures can be soothing and help engage their senses.
30. Watching Fish in a Tank
Set up a small fish tank and let them watch the fish swim. This activity can help promote calmness and provide a gentle form of sensory stimulation.
Household Chores
Light household chores can provide a sense of purpose, stimulate the mind, and help maintain motor skills for people with dementia. It’s important to choose chores that are safe and straightforward so they can participate without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few great household activities for people with dementia:
31. Folding Towels
Invite your loved one to help you fold clean towels or clothes. This can be a safe and manageable way to exercise their cognitive skills.
32. Sweeping the Floor
Provide a small broom and let them help you sweep a safe area. Sweeping the floor offers a productive way to keep someone with dementia active and engaged.
33. Wiping Tables
Though wiping tables seems like a small task, it can be a soothing sensory activity for persons with memory-related conditions. The rhythmic motion, the feel of the cloth, and the smooth surface can provide a calming tactile experience. Plus, it gives your loved one a sense of accomplishment.
To get started, give them a soft, damp cloth and a clean table to wipe. Encourage them to move the cloth gently in smooth, controlled motions.
34. Setting the Table
Politely ask your loved one to arrange the silverware and napkins for meals. This task is generally safe and manageable and can help someone with dementia feel included in meal preparation.
35. Organizing Silverware
Encourage them to sort silverware or utensils. Organizing silverware can be a calming and fulfilling activity for persons with dementia.
Reminiscence Activities
Reminiscence activities can help your loved one with dementia reconnect with their past and engage in meaningful experiences. Here are a few ideas:
36. Photo Albums
Look through old photo albums together. This can spark memories and provide a meaningful way to reminisce about the past.
37. Home Videos
Watch home videos of family events. Seeing familiar faces and places can help someone you love relive happy moments.
38. Listening to Old Radio Shows
Play classic radio shows or podcasts from their era. This can evoke pleasant memories and stimulate conversations about the past.
39. Sharing Childhood Stories
Encourage them to talk about their childhood. Asking open-ended questions can help them open up and share their experiences.
40. Visiting Familiar Places
If possible, take them to places they used to enjoy, like a favorite park or café. Being in familiar surroundings can promote a sense of comfort and help your loved one recall happy memories.
Safety Considerations
When planning activities for your loved one with dementia, it’s important to ensure that they feel comfortable and supported. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Choose Appropriate Activities: While activities offer many benefits for people with dementia, it’s important to tailor them to your loved one’s interests and abilities. Experts suggest avoiding tasks that are too complex or physically demanding, as these can lead to frustration or even injury. Focus on simple, enjoyable activities they can comfortably manage.
- Create a Safe Environment: Before starting activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to ensure the area is clutter-free and well-lit. If the activity involves movement, like walking or gardening, keep an eye out for uneven surfaces and remove any tripping hazards.
- Monitor for Signs of Fatigue or Discomfort: Watch closely for signs that your loved one is getting tired, frustrated or uncomfortable. If you notice signs of fatigue or agitation, it’s advisable to stop the activity immediately.
- Avoid Sharp or Dangerous Objects: If your family member enjoys activities for people with dementia, like cooking or crafting, be mindful of using tools or objects that could be harmful.
- Respect Their Pace: Let them take their time. Often, rushing can cause confusion or anxiety, so give them plenty of time to complete the task at their own speed. If they don’t feel up to it, don’t push. There will always be another opportunity.
StoryPoint Group Is Here for You and Your Loved One
At StoryPoint Group communities, we’re experts in caring for seniors with dementia – and their families. That’s why we’re here to provide the support you and your loved one need, every step of the way. If you have any questions about memory care or other types of senior living, we’re ready to help. Feel free to call us at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour of a StoryPoint Group community near you.
