Taking care of a person with dementia has no shortage of challenges. They’ll have physician appointments, prescriptions to fill, medications to administer, and the mundane tasks of every day living. But something that can easily be overlooked is the physical and mental stimulation they need to keep themselves functioning as well as possible. Clicking on this article puts you ahead of the curve. Taking the time to learn and engage in the activities a person with dementia may like or benefit from is just as important as all the rest.
Why Engaging Activities are Important for Seniors with Dementia
One of the most frustrating aspects of dementia that your loved one may experience is a feeling of helplessness. Combatting that at any stage is a challenge, but allowing them as much autonomy and activity as they can handle is a great way to help them stay both physically and mentally stronger.
Determining what activities the person with dementia is willing and able to do is often a process of trial and error. Some of the activities you find together may seem simple or minor to you, but no matter how small, each task they enjoy should be taken seriously. They can remarkably improve a dementia patient's overall quality of life and experience. Here are some engaging activities to try for seniors with dementia:
Cognitive Activities Based in Creativity and Art
Art can be a great way to increase or stabilize a person with dementia's cognitive abilities. This is especially true if the person with dementia enjoyed art projects before getting ill, as it can be a reminder of the past and a way for them to connect to familiar things.
Here are a few art activities that can be a great way to improve cognitive function and a great way to spend time:
Knitting
Painting
Crocheting
Quilting
Coloring
Drawing
Puzzles
Ceramics
Clay Sculptures
Scrapbooking
Physical Activities: Exercise and Dementia
Just as it would for anyone, having a person with dementia get and stay as active as possible can be a wonderful way to improve their overall health.
As much as possible, exercise-based activities should be done daily to help a person stay connected and keep their bodies strong. It’s easy for a person with dementia to stay stagnant so it’s important to build exercise into their daily routine. Here are a few ways to make sure your dementia patient stays strong and active.
Walking.
Powerwalking.
Tai chi.
Stretching.
Light weight lifting.
Dancing.
Swimming.
Yoga.
Cognitive Activities to Strengthen the Mind
Although art is a great way to keep a person's mind engaged and active there are other simple ways to make sure the person you care for is using their brain throughout the day.
As dementia grows, games and apps are a good way to keep a person’s brain active. These are simple games that can be played over a cup of coffee in the morning or while sitting in front of the TV resting. Incorporating these activities regularly can also build routines that a person with dementia can look forward to each day as the number of games and apps that help cognitive function are virtually unlimited.
Here are a few daily games and mind exercises to try:
Wordle
Crossword puzzles
Word searches
Memory games, like “Bingo” or “Sudoku”
Card games
Chess or checkers
Reading
Games like “I Spy” and “Scrabble”
Journaling
Day-to-Day Activities for Stimulation
Incorporating day-to-day activities into a person with dementia’s life is a great way to build routines and help keep that person engaged. Day-to-day activities are simple tasks that can add value and make a person with dementia feel needed and important.
Some easy tasks to start incorporating into day-to-day life are:
Cooking
Baking
Watching Movies. Especially classics that remind the person of the past.
TV Shows. Especially those with learning opportunities, like those on the History, Discovery, or Weather channels, for example.
Signing or Listening to Music. Music has been proven to help calm and relax dementia patients (bonus points if it’s nostalgic).
Folding Laundry
Feeding a Pet
Advice for Caregivers Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
Now that you have ideas for how to keep seniors with dementia active it’s important to keep in mind that not all activities are a good fit. Some activities, even if they seem basic, can still be too much for a person with dementia. As such, it’s important to pay attention to their reactions and frustrations.
If a certain activity is overwhelming, upsetting, or frustrating, make note that the chosen activity may not be right for them. The idea of creating activities for patients is to create a positive and encouraging environment for fulfillment and enjoyment, and not one of frustration or anger.
It’s also important to avoid creating too much extra work for yourself. When introducing activities, think of yourself too. It isn’t selfish to consider your needs. On the contrary, it’s crucial not to bite off more than you can chew. For example, activities that require endless cleanup or prep may not be worthwhile. The bottom line – make sure the activities are positive and uplifting for both parties.
Closing Thoughts: Engaging Activities for Seniors with Dementia
Dementia isn’t easy for anyone. Finding activities that work for both of you while keeping your loved one stimulated and engaged is an important (and often one of the most fun) part of being a caregiver.
The California Caregiver Resource Center of Orange County is here to provide assistance and guidance to help you do that. Check out our library of resources to help you navigate this experience. Together, we can navigate the healthcare landscape and help you provide the best possible care for your loved one(s).
Further Reading: Fitting in Fitness: Prioritizing Wellness as a Family Caregiver
It’s easy for family caregivers to feel secondary to their loved one’s more pressing needs. In this article, we’ll look at why focusing on your health as a caregiver matters, how you and the loved one(s) in your care can benefit from prioritizing exercise each day, and how to incorporate it into your routine.
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