When caring for a loved one living with dementia, engaging them in meaningful activities should be an essential part of their care. Having them participate in suitable activities promotes their well-being and strengthens the bond you share with them. 

Whether your loved one is in the early stages or has advanced dementia, different activities can help stimulate memory, enhance cognitive health, and foster positive feelings. Below, we’ve prepared a fun and informative list of activities you and your loved one with dementia can explore. We’ve divided them into five main categories for quick reference. Keep reading to learn more.

• Physical Activities – Physical activity at any stage of life supports health and well-being. When it comes to dementia care, it is one of the most important ways to keep individuals active and engaged, supporting better care outcomes and quality of life.

• Short Walks or Gentle Exercise: Short walks or gentle exercises, like tai chi, provide numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced high blood pressure, and enhanced balance and mobility. For dementia patients, regular exercise can also reduce symptoms of cognitive decline and improve mood. Activities like these encourage sensory experiences and offer an opportunity to spend time outdoors and socialise with others, which can be particularly refreshing.

• Chair Yoga and Other Gentle Exercises: Individuals with limited mobility can still enjoy the benefits of physical activity through gentle exercises like chair yoga. This practice provides an excellent way to improve physical fitness without strain while enhancing flexibility, improving mood, and offering a relaxing sensory experience.

• Gardening or Other Outdoor Activities: Nature is known to be a calming and stress-reducing space. Activities like gardening, birdwatching, or sitting in a garden can improve one’s mood, reduce stress, and enhance visual perception. For dementia patients, these activities are especially helpful in relieving agitation, which is common in advanced dementia. 

• Dancing and Playing Instruments: If your loved one knows how to play an instrument and enjoys listening to music or dancing, encourage them to do so. Playing simple instruments or dancing helps dementia patients connect with their emotions and maintain physical activity. By exploring artistic expression through music or dance, you are also encouraging a way for your loved one to improve their mood and promote positive feelings.

• Participate in Everyday Tasks like Folding Laundry: People in the early stages of dementia will likely continue to enjoy activities they have enjoyed before diagnosis. Involving your family member in everyday tasks, such as folding laundry, can create a sense of purpose and accomplishment. These familiar and straightforward activities can stimulate cognitive health by engaging the person in meaningful tasks. It’s also a good opportunity to help your loved one feel like they are contributing.

• Cognitive and Sensory-Focused Activities – In addition to strengthening their bodies, people with dementia and their caregivers can participate in numerous cognitive activities that are not only fun but also encourage strategic thinking and self-expression, slow cognitive decline, and, when appropriate, social interaction.

• Word Games, Jigsaw Puzzles, and Other Games: Word games and jigsaw puzzles help keep the brain active by challenging cognitive skills and encouraging strategic thinking. These types of games are known to require players to pay attention, think strategically and test their memory, which are all excellent ways to keep your brain active. These games can be completed individually or alongside a group of friends, encouraging social interaction. Another game option includes online games tailored for older adults or people with dementia. These games focus on improving memory, visual perception, and strategic thinking, making them suitable for those in the early stages of dementia.

• Activities Based on Past Interests: If your loved one enjoyed specific hobbies or pastimes before their diagnosis, such as sewing, adapt these into dementia activities. For example, you could plan suitable activities like sorting fabrics or arranging patterns.

• Painting and Crafts: Creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting are excellent for dementia patients. These activities encourage self-expression, promote tactile stimulation and provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and offering many health benefits; they can also be completed individually or accompanied. If you and your loved one work on a craft together, you also make for quality bonding time.

• Comfort and Stimulation: Sensory activities, such as hand or foot massages, handling soft fabrics, and others, offer tactile stimulation and evoke positive feelings. For dementia patients in the late stages, these activities can provide comfort and meaningful engagement when verbal communication becomes difficult. Healthcare professionals often highlight sensory activities as an integral part of dementia care as they can be adapted to increase or decrease levels of stimulation in response to individual needs and preferences.

• Read Stories or Look at Picture Books: Reading stories or looking at picture books is a relaxing activity that engages cognitive skills and stimulates memory. For people with late-stage dementia, choosing books with large images and simple text can help them focus and evoke comforting memories.

• Activities Around Music – Playing familiar songs or creating a playlist of treasured memories can be a positive approach to engaging a person living with dementia. Music stimulates both memory and emotions, often bringing comfort and joy. It can also improve social skills by encouraging sing-alongs or light dancing.

• Social Activities – Including meaningful social activities in your loved one’s care is very important. People living with dementia can become isolated and lonely, so finding opportunities for them to interact with people will help them stay engaged. With all activities, consider whether social interactions are appropriate for your loved one at their dementia stage. 

• Participate in Community Groups or Social Activities – Joining community groups or engaging in social interaction through meaningful engagement is beneficial for people with dementia. Group activities provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve mood. If your loved one enjoys socialising, these activities can enhance communication and social skills.

• Participate in Group Games: Bingo or other social games in community groups promote social interaction and keep the brain active. These are engaging activities that encourage cognitive abilities while providing opportunities for fun and companionship.

• Family Activities – Consider participating in family-related activities with your loved one to relive memories and establish meaningful conversations. You can help improve cognitive abilities as well as increase comfort and connection throughout your caregiving journey.

• Have a Conversation: Talk about past events and life experiences with your loved one, their treasured memories, and meaningful moments. Discussing familiar topics also keeps the conversation flowing and provides a sense of comfort.

• Watch Home Videos Together: Watching old home videos or looking at family photos can stimulate memory and bring back treasured memories. Doing this can often lead to laughter, storytelling, and a sense of connection for both you and your loved one.

• Create a Memory Box with Family Photos: Memory boxes filled with family photos, mementoes, or items related to past events evoke comforting memories. Sit down with your family member to develop a memory box that can stimulate memory and trigger fond memories. These visual and tactile stimulation activities are very beneficial.

• Take Short Trips to Familiar Places: Visiting familiar locations, such as a favourite park or café, can evoke comforting memories and reduce anxiety. Additionally, these outings provide a break from routine and offer you and your family members a chance to relax and connect.

• Cook or Bake Together: Preparing simple meals or baking treats together can be a rewarding experience for both of you. Cooking incorporates sensory stimulation through smells, tastes, and textures while also allowing the person to participate in a familiar and enjoyable activity. Moreover, you can help carry family traditions by learning family dishes and sharing a meaningful memory with your loved one.

• Continued Care Support – Outside of activities that are engaging and provide your loved one the opportunity to exercise their body and mind, also consider activities that will support your caregiving journey. From attending the doctor’s office to obtaining tech gadgets to enhance your care approach, it is important to think of ways to facilitate your daily work while empowering your loved one.

• Medical Alert Bracelet and Assistive Devices: While this is not an activity per se, having your loved one wear a medical alert bracelet can provide peace of mind for you as a family caregiver. It’s particularly important for people with advanced dementia who may wander or face health emergencies. Other devices include smart watches and other tools that can help track location and health data. Additional tools include clocks, calendars, medication reminders, and others.

• Join Dementia-Specific Support Groups: Community groups or online forums for people with dementia and their family caregivers allow you to share experiences, find support, and discover new ideas for planning activities that suit your loved one’s needs. These groups also provide social interaction and meaningful engagement.

• Schedule a Full Medical Check-Up: Scheduling a complete medical check-up for your loved one is a meaningful way to ensure that their health is closely monitored, allowing for adjustments to dementia care plans as needed. Regular health evaluations can also help manage symptoms effectively and maintain their well-being.

Create Moments of Joy and Connections with the Right Activities

In the journey of caregiving for a loved one with dementia, finding the right support and resources will make a tremendous difference in everyone’s lives. Following activities that are meaningful, engaging, and tailored to your loved one’s needs can enhance their quality of life while strengthening your bond. 

The possibilities are endless, from cognitive activities like crafts to physical exercise and reminiscence through family photos. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for guidance on the best dementia activities. Additionally, don’t forget to ensure your loved one has access to a full medical check-up for optimal care. With thoughtful planning and meaningful engagement, you can create moments of joy and connection

Changes in Your Loved One’s Care Needs? We are Here to Help

If you notice that your loved one needs more help with their daily care, such as memory care, or you need respite care support, CarePatrol is here to help you find the right care solution through senior care advisory services.  

We provide senior care solutions to help you find the right community. From the option to maintain independent living to the need for additional services at home or in a care community, we’re here to give you the information and support you need. 

Reach out to a local senior care advisor today.