Dementia is a progressive disease that affects a person’s memory and ability to think and communicate. It can be challenging to find ways to occupy and engage dementia patients, but it’s important for their mental and physical well being. Here are ten fun ideas that can help keep dementia patients stimulated, social, and active:
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- Leisure Activities: Engaging in leisure activities, such as arts and crafts, gardening, or playing board games, can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It’s a great way to keep the mind and hands busy while also providing a creative outlet. Sam loved to put puzzles together when he was younger but as he aged his vision and dexterity of his fingers made it very difficult. We would sit at the table and I would have him sort what pieces he could tell by color: Reds, Blues, yellows, etc. He was able to see some of the colors, but mostly it was something we could do together. They make puzzles for Alzheimer’s patients! See them here.
- Music and Singing: Listening to music or singing songs is a fun and enjoyable activity that can bring back memories and provide a sense of familiarity. It can also help to lift mood and provide a sense of comfort. Check out my blog post “Music Soothes the Soul.”
- Outdoor Adventures: Taking a walk in a local park or visiting a garden can provide a change of scenery and an opportunity for some gentle exercise. It’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air. If the patient isn’t able to walk, take them for a “walk” pushing them in a wheelchair or a drive around familiar territory. My father-in-law loved to drive through the country looking at the crops. My dad enjoyed driving through the local state park. Both just enjoyed getting out of the house or the nursing home/assisted living facility to drive around as long as the weather was nice.
- Physical Exercises: Gentle physical exercises, such as yoga or stretching, can help improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. It’s also a great way to provide a sense of relaxation and stress relief. Even batting a balloon back and forth is good for any elderly patient.
- Memory Games: Playing memory games, such as matching objects or recalling personal stories, can help stimulate the brain and improve memory. It’s also a fun way to engage in some friendly competition, but remember that they may not be capable of some things they were previously. My dad was a very competitive card player but after the stroke he had no clue how to play Uno. It broke my heart.
- Cooking and Baking: Cooking or baking simple recipes together can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, while also promoting social interaction. It’s a great way to bond over a shared activity and enjoy some delicious food. This one didn’t work for us. Both had enjoyed cooking when they were able, but at an advanced age they were not able to enjoy the “doing”; however, they could sure enjoy the “eating”. haha. So, we made sure to make their favorites and find ways to get them to drink extra water when we could. My FIL was a huge fan of lemonade. Once we discovered this, his fluid intake really increased which helped to alleviate dehydration.
- Reminiscing: Engaging in reminiscing activities, such as looking at old photos or family heirlooms, can help bring back memories and provide a sense of familiarity. It’s a great way to provide a connection to the past and foster a sense of identity. Stories of the old days are often easier for these patients to remember than yesterday’s activities.
- Sensory Activities: Doing sensory activities, such as playing with playdough or bubble wrap, can provide a stimulating and enjoyable experience. It’s also a great way to engage in some fun and interactive play. I would get kitchen towels out of the drawer and have my father-in-law help me by folding them. It gave him something to do with his hands and made him feel like he was being helpful.
- Movie and Book Time: Watching a movie or reading a book together can provide a sense of relaxation and enjoyment. It’s also a great way to bond over a shared activity and provide a sense of comfort. Toward the end of his life my FIL enjoyed reading children’s books. The font was larger and the books were short. I think the innocence of the children’s books spoke to him and he would smile and read them as though he was reading them to his little great grandchildren. (I’ve written a fun children’s book that is available on Amazon. There’s a link on my main page of this blog.)
- Volunteering: Volunteering in a local community or care center can provide a sense of purpose and social interaction. It’s also a great way to engage in meaningful and fulfilling activities while helping others.
What things entertained them when they were younger? Did they love pets?See if you can bring an animal in for some petting/snuggling therapy. Were they always snatching up the babies? Maybe a doll like this would be a comfort. Maybe have a tea party with the great grand kids. Who doesn’t love little snacks and tea out of little tea cups? Think outside the box!
There are many fun and engaging activities that can help occupy dementia patients and provide a sense of stimulation, socialization, and purpose. By incorporating these ideas into their daily routine, we can help improve their quality of life and provide a brighter outlook on the future. Our parents were once teachers, nurses, factory workers, farmers, lawyers, or the super heroes that you admired so very much. In these twilight years, they deserve to feel useful and a part of their community. Perhaps some of these activities will help them to feel more like themselves.