Staying physically and mentally active is vital to your well-being. However, for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, engaging in stimulating activities and daily tasks brings a few added benefits.
Studies show that physical exercise, intellectual stimulation, and social interaction can prevent memory loss and greatly improve one's quality of life. Participating in group exercise, doing puzzles, and playing card games with loved ones aren't just fun activities for dementia patients — they can actually slow the progression of Alzheimer's and dementia.
Whether you are a caregiver, family member, or other loved one looking for activities for dementia patients, keep reading. Below, we offer a number of activity ideas suitable for older adults.
How To Find the Right Activities for Dementia Patients
Before we dive into a list of activities, we want to make a couple of suggestions. When someone has Alzheimer's disease or dementia, even the simplest tasks can be a challenge. If your loved one gets too frustrated, they’ll only “dig their heels in” and avoid engaging in the activity. In addition, keep in mind that there are several stages to dementia, and not all activities will be suited for all individuals.
To keep these activities productive and enjoyable, keep the following things in mind:
Offer Them a Win
Dementia and Alzheimer's patients are constantly reminded of daily tasks they can no longer do, from paying bills to making coffee in the morning. When selecting an activity, suggest something they can do successfully — something they'll feel a sense of pride or accomplishment for doing.
Avoid Activities in Large Groups
While social interaction is encouraged, too many unfamiliar faces can make your loved one feel anxious. Keep social interactions intimate, choosing activities for just 2-3 people.
Create a Supportive Environment for Caregivers
We say this as lightheartedly as possible. Navigating a relationship with a loved one who has dementia can be tough. There will be days where a supposedly fun activity does not go according to plan — which can be frustrating for you and your loved one.
These things happen — particularly if your loved one is in the late stages of Alzheimer's or dementia. During these times, it's important to have a supportive network for you, the caregiver. As a caregiver, remember you are allowed (and encouraged) to have some reprieve, from a local support group or other assistance.
4 Different Activities for Dementia Patients To Give Them a Sense of Accomplishment
Below, we dive into several activities for dementia patients, including games, household tasks, and physical activities. Remember to modify each activity according to your loved one's comfort level.
1. Games and Puzzles
Games and puzzles are great activities for those in memory care — as long as you match the activity to their cognitive ability. For example, while they may have enjoyed trivia in their younger years, it may be difficult or frustrating now. Here are some activities to try:
Jigsaw puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles are great for improving dexterity in one's hands. Plus, you can find puzzles online with big pieces (and a small number of them), which are great for those with declining eyesight.
Crossword puzzles: Crossword puzzles and word searches are a great tool for intellectual stimulation and word retention. Try doing one together and make it a group activity.
Board games: Again, match a board game to your loved one's comfort level (for some, even counting squares on a game board can be a challenge). Connect Four, Shoots and Ladders, matching games, or dominos might be fun options.
2. Daily Activities or Household Chores
Dementia patients want to feel a sense of independence. We all do. While it can be tempting to step in and take over all home care and household chores, you should encourage your loved one to complete these safe activities:
Fold laundry: Folding laundry (particularly bath towels) is a nearly failure-free activity that can give a dementia patient a sense of accomplishment (just help them carry the basket).
Untie or tie knots: If the individual has shoes with laces, tying or untying knots can help improve mobility in their hands.
Loading the dishwasher: If dishes need to be washed, this could be a task they can do on their own (if they lack balance, set up a seat next to the dishwasher, and hand them dishes so they can set them between the racks).
3. Sensory Activities
Sensory stimulation challenges the five senses (taste, touch, smell, hear, and see), in new ways which can spark old memories. Sensory activities help dementia patients recall positive memories and emotions. Plus, some of these activities can make fun afternoon outings:
(Literally) smell the roses: Drive your loved one to a park, community garden, or botanical center so they can smell the fauna.
Bake a new recipe: Baking cookies or a coffee cake will fill the kitchen with familiar spells. Plus, your loved one might enjoy measuring out the flour and sugar into the bowl (you can take on the task of setting the oven temperature and timer).
Play an old record: What musicians did your loved one enjoy in their younger years? Perform a little music therapy, or enjoy a sing-along to one of their favorite tunes.
Offer a hand massage: Many older adults suffer from pain in their hands and fingers. Giving them a hand massage gives them a sense of touch and offers a bit of relaxation. (For a special treat, you could even arrange for your loved one to get a manicure.)
Play with playdough: Playing with play dough can be as fun for adults as it is for kids — plus, your loved one may enjoy the familiar sensation of playing with it.
4. Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscence therapy hopes to trigger old memories through meaningful activities. You can look through old photo albums, watch a former favorite film, or simply have a conversation while reminiscing over fond memories.
Create a memory box: Create a memory box filled with items from your loved one's past. Invite them to tell you stories about each item as they place it in the box.
Pet therapy: Did your loved one have a favorite pet as a child? If so, take a field trip to play with a gentle, trained dog, cat, or other household pet for the afternoon. You can visit a trusted friend or family member with a pet or head to a pet store. Keep in mind that older pets can provide nice companions and are usually calmer than young animals.
Watch an old movie: Ready for a lazy afternoon? Curl on the couch, and enjoy a favorite film with them from their younger years.
Enjoy a conversation: Senior loneliness is a common issue — one very prevalent in dementia care. Spend your time simply asking them meaningful questions about their life. (Remember, it's very common for dementia patients to remember their younger years more clearly than those most recent. Therefore, you can ask about their parents, childhood neighborhood, or where they went to high school.)
Dementia Activities Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline
Various activities for dementia patients have been shown to slow memory loss and improve one's quality of life. Various activities including household chores, reminiscence therapy, or fun games and puzzles provide intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and a physical challenge.
The key to selecting the right activities for dementia patients is to pair the activity with their cognitive and physical abilities. These activities should be as failure-proof as you can manage so they provide your loved one with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
If your loved one is in an early stage of dementia and fairly independent, we'll leave you with one last activity: Have them download Snug on their phone. Snug was specifically designed for seniors who live alone, giving caregivers peace of mind. With Snug, your loved one will perform a daily check-in on their app, letting you know they're safe and sound. If they miss a check-in, we'll send you an alert.
Plus, you'd be surprised at how performing one simple task — like checking in to Snug — can give your loved one a sense of accomplishment.