Dementia Activities: Different Ways to Keep Loved Ones Connected

Caring for someone with dementia is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunity for deep connection – and at the heart of that journey care is meaningful, personalized engagement. 

Engaging with your loved one isn’t just a way to pass time. Research shows that engaging in enjoyable activities can improve memory, decrease depression and anxiety, and make seniors with and without dementia feel more independent, all while strengthening the bond between caregivers and those they love. 

Even small moments of connection can bring joy, spark memories, and reduce feelings of isolation. Keep reading to discover ways that you can keep your loved one with dementia engaged.

Different Types of Activities for Seniors with Dementia

There are a variety of activities for those with dementia. These specific activities can vary widely from small actions to long-term hobbies, but they generally fall into one of four categories:

• Cognitive activities
• Sensory activities
• Creative and artistic activities
• Physical activities 

Cognitive Activities

Brain games 

According to Healthline, patients with early and mid-stage dementia who did brain games were able to improve a wide variety of cognitive abilities, including short-term memory, reaction time, and communication. There are a variety of mentally stimulating activities that can help slow the cognitive and memory decline, including:

• Crosswords, word searches, and other word games
• Jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, and brain teasers
• Solitaire, Go Fish, and other simple card games
• Matching games, picture recalls, and other memory games

Reminiscence therapy 

Reminiscence therapy is the idea that stimulating memories and emotions from the past can be soothing for seniors with dementia. The act of recalling past memories can trigger long-term memories, providing comfort and a sense of identity. Consider engaging in the following reminiscent activities with your loved one:

• Looking at old photos
• Discussing past events and other happy memories
• Listening to familiar music
• Watching old movies or shows they enjoyed in the past
• Preparing family recipes

Sensory Activities

Auditory activities 

Familiar or relaxing sounds can help soothe people with dementia and trigger positive memories. Northwestern Medicine recommends engaging those with dementia in music activities, because music has been shown to decrease a patient’s agitation and improve communication and caregiver relationships. Consider using the following auditory activities:

• Music from when your loved one was younger 
• Nature sounds like birds or ocean waves
• Audiobooks or reading books and other stories out loud
• Playing name that tune with songs they enjoyed at all ages 

Tactile crafts 

Research in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease shows that multisensory stimulation can reduce agitation, improve overall cognitive function, and provide other benefits. The following sensory activities can help your loved one use their different senses to become more engaged and stimulated:

• Provide various items and sensory bins that allow seniors to feel different textures and interact with vibrant colors
• Offer hand and foot massages to relieve tension and improve circulation
• Use fresh flowers, essential oils, or other comforting smells to help loved ones stay relaxed and alert
• Bake or cook together to enjoy some delicious treats and enjoyable smells.

Creative Activities

Art therapy 

According to The Alzheimer’s Society, research has proven that art therapy can be beneficial for those with dementia. Art therapy can engage attention, provide pleasure and enjoyment and may improve symptoms, including anxiety and apathy. Some activities include:

• Painting and drawing
• Making collages, bracelets, and other crafts
• Sculpting
• Decorating baked goods

Physical Activities

Gentle exercise

Regular exercise is good for both physical and mental wellbeing. According to The Alzheimer’s Association, exercise can help maintain and improve muscle strength and balance, as well as reduce the risk of falls, a common concern for people with dementia. Some exercise ideas include:

• Regular walks
• Stretches and yoga
• Chair exercises

Gardening 

Participating in either indoor or outdoor gardening activities can help engage dementia patients while reducing stress. There are a variety of gardening activities that can help seniors engage, whether they’re helping you with your plants or taking care of their own garden:

• Taking care of a few houseplants
• Picking flowers
• Harvesting fruits and vegetables
• Engaging in garden crafts like making seed bombs and painting garden rocks
• Assisting with weeding, raking, or other garden maintenance

Tips for Success

With a little bit of patience, creativity, and empathy, you can make a major difference in your loved one’s life. Engaging and connecting with dementia patients can help your loved one retain their dignity, recall fond memories, and improve their overall comfort and happiness. Here are some tips to help you connect with seniors with dementia:

• Be Flexible: Successful engagement with someone living with dementia starts with flexibility. Meet them where they are in the moment and be willing to adjust when it’s time to gently shift gears. 
• Simplify Activities: Have any activities match your loved one’s current abilities. Doing this can help reduce frustration and keep the experience positive. 
• Prioritize Good Times: Instead of focusing on outcomes or “getting it right,” the goal for activities is enjoyment. Letting go of expectations can ease anxiety and foster a sense of accomplishment. 
• Embrace Routine: Incorporating familiar routines into activities can provide comfort through consistency. 
• Remember That Activities are a Group Effort: Engaging in meaningful moments together isn’t just beneficial for the person with dementia. They’re also meaningful experiences for you as well.

Searching for an environment that can help improve your loved one’s quality of life? National Church Residences has more than 300 housing communities in 25 states and offers several services to help seniors improve their independence and live their ideal lifestyle. Find a community that’s close to you or give us a call at 844-465-6063 to talk to one of our friendly staff members today.

Browse Our Senior Living Locations