Engaging activities for dementia
If your loved one has Alzheimer's or another dementia, you may wonder what you can do to keep their life lively and boredom at bay. There are likely more options than you realize! The first step is to reflect on your relative's history and hobbies. They'll engage best with activities that fit with their identity and feel meaningful to them. Ideally, activities that help them feel purposeful and included. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination, whether you're looking for something playful or productive.
Leisurely activities
If you're indoors: Do a puzzle; play dominos, marbles, cards; review photos; set up a toy train; dance to music; befriend a robot animal. If you're outdoors: Go bird watching, paint flowerpots, walk in a park, take a drive or ride in a boat, name flower colors.
Tasks-oriented activities
Indoors, you can brush the dog, arrange flowers, organize books/magazines, sort bolts and nails, arrange jewelry box (or fishing tackle box), set the table, fold napkins/laundry. Outdoors, perhaps trim roses, plant flowers, sweep, or rake.
What's appropriate will change as the disease progresses from early to middle and late stages. For example, if your loved one has been avid about golf, tennis, or basketball, they'll be able to continue with friends for a while, then switch to just putting, or using a backboard, or using a single hoop. In late stage, make up simple ball games involving rolling or tossing. If your relative loved to cook, have them find recipes. Cook with them. Keep them engaged, but simplify tasks over time.
No matter what the activity, you will likely need to help your loved one get started and stay with it. Expect their attention span to shorten with each stage.
Alternatively, many communities have adult day centers or senior centers that offer daytime activities for older people. This is a great resource to keep in mind (and catch a break for yourself, too).
Need help with a loved one who has dementia?
We at The Aging Space are the Metrowest experts in family caregiving. We understand your struggle and are here to help you problem solve. We can also recommend adult day centers and enrichment programs. Just give us a call at 888-607-6027, toll-free.