What are some meaningful activities for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

Meaningful activities can include listening to music, folding towels, painting, gardening, looking through photo albums, doing puzzles, or engaging in simple cooking tasks. These activities help promote connection, dignity, and comfort.

Why are activities important for someone with dementia?

Activities provide cognitive stimulation, support emotional well-being, and reduce feelings of anxiety, boredom, or isolation. They offer routine, purpose, and can create joyful moments even in advanced stages of memory loss.

How can I choose the right activity for someone with Alzheimer’s?

Choose activities based on the person’s past interests, current abilities, and preferences. Activities should feel familiar and success-oriented—avoid overly complex tasks, and adapt as their abilities change.

Are physical activities safe for people with dementia?

Yes, light physical activities like chair exercises, stretching, dancing, or guided walks are safe and beneficial. They help improve circulation, reduce restlessness, and enhance overall health when supervised appropriately.

Can people in late-stage dementia still participate in activities?

Yes. People in advanced stages of dementia often respond well to sensory activities like hand massage, listening to familiar music, aromatherapy, or simply spending time with loved ones. Engagement can be gentle and nonverbal.

101 Things to Do With a Person Who Has Alzheimers or Dementia

Caregiver Resources & Support

March 13, 2024

101 Activities to Do with Dementia Patients

‍

Engaging activities can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Here’s a comprehensive list of 101 activities to help stimulate the mind, encourage social interaction, and bring joy to your loved one:

‍

Creative Activities:

Painting
Drawing
Coloring books
Scrapbooking
Making a collage
Clay modeling
Crafting with beads
Knitting or crocheting
Creating a memory box
Decorating picture frames
Writing poetry or short stories
Flower arranging
Making greeting cards
Creating a family tree
Building birdhouses
Designing jewelry
Making homemade candles
Building model cars or planes
Creating a photo album
Paper Mache projects

‍

Physical Activities:

Walking
Gardening
Chair exercises
Balloon volleyball
Gentle yoga
Dancing
Stretching exercises
Tai Chi
Tossing a ball
Scarf dancing
Bowling with plastic pins
Water aerobics
Light weightlifting
Playing catch
Nature walks

‍

Music and Sensory Activities:

Listening to music
Singing favorite songs
Playing musical instruments
Attending live music performances
Watching musical movies
Using a sensory box
Aromatherapy
Hand massages with scented lotions
Brushing hair
Sorting textured fabrics
Playing with sensory balls
Pet therapy
Watching fish in an aquarium
Baking with aromatic spices
Using scented candles

‍

Memory and Cognitive Activities:

Doing jigsaw puzzles
Playing card games
Word searches
Crossword puzzles
Trivia games
Sorting objects by color or size
Matching games
Reading aloud
Playing board games
Memory card games
Listening to audiobooks
Doing simple math problems
Discussing current events
Playing bingo
Making lists (e.g., favorite foods, places)

‍

Social Activities:

Attending community events
Visiting with friends and family
Going to senior centers
Participating in support groups
Hosting a tea party
Having a picnic
Celebrating birthdays and holidays
Going to church services
Attending family reunions
Participating in charity events
Volunteering
Attending workshops or classes
Going to local fairs or festivals
Visiting museums
Going to the movies

‍

Household Activities:

Folding laundry
Setting the table
Cooking simple recipes
Baking cookies or bread
Washing vegetables
Polishing silverware
Organizing a drawer
Watering plants
Sorting recycling
Dusting furniture
Sweeping the porch
Arranging books on a shelf
Feeding pets
Clipping coupons
Cleaning windows

‍

Outdoor Activities:

Bird watching
Picnicking in the park
Visiting botanical gardens
Collecting leaves or flowers
Fishing
Visiting a beach or lake

‍

These activities are designed to be adaptable to various stages of dementia, ensuring your loved one can participate and enjoy their time. Incorporating these activities into daily routines can help create positive and enriching experiences for everyone involved.

For more information and support, contact ONELIFE Senior Living to learn about our dementia care services and how we can assist you and your loved one.

‍

Memory Care in Phoenix, Salem, Springfield, Beaverton, Cottage Grove, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Vernon Hills and Henderson

Choosing the right memory care facility for your loved one is a crucial decision. By understanding what memory care entails and considering the factors that make a great memory care community, you can ensure your loved one receives the best possible care. At ONELIFE Senior Living, we are here to support you every step of the way.

ONELIFE Senior Living offers exceptional memory care facilities in various locations throughout the country, including:

‍

Phoenix, Arizona

Shadow Mountain Memory Care

‍

Salem, Oregon

Battle Creek Memory Care

‍

Springfield, Oregon

The Rawlin at Riverbend Memory Care

‍

Beaverton, Oregon

Waterhouse Ridge Memory Care

‍

Cottage Grove, Oregon

Middlefield Oaks Senior Living

‍

San Jose, California

Sonnet Hill Senior Living

‍

Vernon Hills, Illinois

The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care

‍

Henderson, Nevada

Vineyard Henderson Memory Care

‍

Oxnard, California

The Vistas at Oxnard Senior Living

‍

Santa Rosa, California

The Vineyard at Fountaingrove Memory Care

‍

Sacramento, California

The Woodlake Senior Living

Our communities are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for residents with memory loss. With personalized care plans, engaging activities, and compassionate staff, we strive to make our memory care communities a place where residents feel at home. Contact us today to learn more about our memory care facilities, and let us help you find the perfect home for your loved one.

‍