Activities for Loved Ones With Dementia

Activities for Your Aging Loved One With Dementia

Gena Bertelsen  

Caring for a loved one with Dementia can be difficult at times and I am often asked if I know of any activities that could be used to engage the loved one.  I have compiled a few of those ideas here and hope that they can help make a difference in each day for you and your loved one.  (If you have other ideas you would like to share, please contact me!) Many of these tasks can be utilized almost every day. Just undo what was done and re-present it to your loved one. Always keep the level of decision making and safety in mind when choosing appropriate activities for your loved one.

There is an inherent need in every human being to be needed.  If you can present each task or activity with the phrase, “I need your help with…” it can make a huge difference in the life of your loved one.  Once you don’t feel needed you cannot find the joy or necessity in living.

· Sock Matching: Have a basket of various pairs of socks and ask loved one to match them for you.

· Puzzles:  Make sure pieces are large enough to pick up and see for your loved one but also NOT geared to children.

· Yarn Balls: This is a great activity for anyone who has crocheted or knitted in the past.  Ask loved one to roll skein of yarn into a ball for you.  You can undo the ball on another day and have them do it again.

· Coupon Clipping:  You can use almost any newspaper and a pair of scissors (keep your loved one’s level of safety and decision making in mind) and have loved one search for coupons that will save you money and cut them out.

· Music:  Having a CD full of music that your loved one grew up with can help calm and relax them.

· Laundry Folding: Have your loved one fold towels or shirts.  Never fix it in their presence, just praise them and thank them for the help.

· Caring for a Doll: This would be appropriate for late-stage dementia sufferers.  Having a doll to hold and care for can calm and relax them.