Simple dementia-friendly activities to do with your loved one
Spending quality time with your loved one can help strengthen your bond and build lasting memories even under difficult circumstances. Here is a list of simple Alzheimer’s and dementia-friendly activities you can enjoy with your loved one with minimal cost and effort.
Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash
Do you ever feel like you're stuck in the movie Groundhog Day? Does it feel like you’re re-living the same routine and having the same conversations? Routine and familiarity can be helpful and comforting for you and your loved one; it can also leave you feeling stuck in a bit of a rut.
Sometimes, it’s worth breaking up the routine with new activities that can help you connect in a new way and experience a bit of novelty.
Before you introduce a new activity to your loved one, here are some things to keep in mind:
Take your loved one’s interests and skills into consideration.
Incorporating your loved one’s previous hobbies, work skills, or general interests may solicit more buy-in from them and limit frustrations that could come from introducing unfamiliar things.
Avoid known irritations to the best of your ability.
As dementia progresses, your loved one may become more sensitive to loud noises, clutter, or sudden movements. Try to create an environment that limits these stressors so they can focus on the activity.
Aim for joy, not perfection.
Quality of life and memories are what we’re going for here! Let go of the outcome of the activity and do your best to enjoy the time spent together, even if it’s not what you imagined. If you’re doing a puzzle together, don’t worry about finishing it. If you’re working on a craft, don’t stress over the end result.
Simple Alzheimer’s and dementia-friendly activities to try with your loved one:
1. Look at family photo albums
2. Read an old book they used to love
3. Fold laundry or towels
4. Listen to music they’re familiar with and sing along
5. Read the newspaper out loud
6. Hit a balloon back and forth or play catch with a light ball
7. Take a walk or sit outside to enjoy good weather
8. Fill a bird feeder and watch the birds
9. Do light exercises with resistance bands or use soup cans as hand weights
10. Write a letter to a family member
11. Paint a canvas and hang it on the wall
12. Do a puzzle
13. Do chair yoga
14. Organize a junk drawer or de-clutter an area in your home
15. Create a “memory bag” filled with nostalgic items that bring them joy
16. Do a color-by-number
17. Ask questions about their life and favorite memories (and don’t sweat it if their responses aren’t entirely accurate)
18. Make a meal together
19. Assemble a sensory box with different textured fabrics, papers, and objects
20. Sort coins, flatware, nuts, and bolts, or other small objects into categories
21. Play with Play-Doh
22. Get dressed up and have afternoon tea
23. Go on a car ride
24. Make a small flower arrangement
25. Have a selfie photoshoot
Doing an activity with your loved one can be dignifying for both of you; it helps them create positive memories and allows them the autonomy to participate in something that makes them feel productive and brings them joy.
Do you have any favorite activities you’ve done with your loved one? We would love to hear about them. Join Steadii today to match with an advocate, connect with other caregivers, and share your experience within our caregiver community.